Chapter 99: Learning the Art

When Zhang Xiaohua excitedly got hold of the old boxing manual, he opened it and immediately felt a mix of laughter and tears. What was inside? Little figures were making boxing moves, with many arrows drawn on the pages, and a lot of tiny writing beside them. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed to be a case of the book recognizing him, but he didn't recognize it. How could he read it?

Reluctantly, he closed the boxing manual and only then saw three large characters on the cover, of which he only recognized one: "Er." Zhang Xiaohua asked suspiciously, "Big Brother Li, what kind of boxing manual is this?"

Li Jin Feng pointed to the large characters and said with a smile, "Isn't it written there? It's the 'Erlang Fist.'"

"Oh, so it's the Erlang Fist." Zhang Xiaohua nodded, thinking for a moment. He had learned this set of boxing moves before and had mastered two of them. So, he flipped through the manual again, page by page, but none of the moves looked like the ones he had learned. This was strange. Could this not be the Erlang Fist, or had he learned a different set of moves?

Zhang Xiaohu, seeing Zhang Xiaohua flipping through the manual repeatedly, asked curiously, "Xiaohua, why are you flipping through it again and again? Don't you read it page by page?"

Zhang Xiaohua looked up and said, "Second Brother, I've learned the Erlang Fist before, but I can't find the two moves I remember."

"Ah? You only remember two moves from this set of boxing?" Zhang Xiaohu asked in surprise.

"Yes, I don't know why, but I can only remember two moves, and they don't seem to be connected," Zhang Xiaohua said, a bit embarrassed.

Zhang Xiaohu laughed and said, "It's fine. It's good that you remember them. Look at me; I can only learn one set of boxing moves. Hmm, let me see the manual."

After saying that, he took the manual from Zhang Xiaohua and carefully examined each page, making gestures with his hands. After a while, Zhang Xiaohu said, "I understand now, Xiaohua. I don't know if this manual is called the Erlang Fist, but it is indeed a set of boxing moves. Look at the first move: the left hand is held upright in front of the chest, and there's an arrow pointing up, meaning the left hand strikes upward. I guess the move you remember is a series of actions from the chest to the striking position, so none of the diagrams look familiar to you."

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and said, "Second Brother, what you said makes sense. I'll take another look."

So, Zhang Xiaohua flipped through the manual several times. Suddenly, he exclaimed with joy, "Second Brother, I found it! Yes, this is the move I remember. However, the body seems to be more sideways, and the punch hits a bit lower."

When Zhang Xiaohu came over to look, Zhang Xiaohua added, "But, this should be the Erlang Fist. Captain He said that many of the moves I remember are different from what he taught, especially the details."

"Hmm, it doesn't matter as long as you can use them," Zhang Xiaohu, of course, didn't care about the details, as the doctor had already said that Zhang Xiaohua couldn't practice martial arts anymore. Now, it didn't matter what was said.

Zhang Xiaohu looked at the page and said, "Oh, what you said seems to be correct. Let me demonstrate."

After saying that, he followed the manual and slowly performed the move. Zhang Xiaohua said, "Yes, Second Brother, that's the move. Ha ha, so the manual is such a good thing."

"But, what does it say here?" Zhang Xiaohu pointed to the tiny writing and asked Li Jin Feng.

Li Jin Feng took the manual and read the text: "This art strikes like walking, sees people like grass, moves as swiftly as the wind, and rises and falls like an arrow. The subtleties and wonders within are hard to grasp without the true teachings. Without oral instruction, it is difficult to reach this realm. This art is based on principles and righteousness. If you want to walk the right path, the world is your oyster. Knowing and understanding the five virtues, the righteous can attain the true path. Those who learn this art must focus on the upper, middle, and lower parts of the body, with hands and feet in harmony. When engaging with an opponent, hands and feet move together, with the feet leading (feet first, then hands, then the body) being the key."

Both Zhang Xiaohu and Zhang Xiaohua were puzzled and asked together, "What does this mean?"

So, Li Jin Feng explained the meaning of the text to them. Zhang Xiaohua lowered his head, thinking for a moment, and said, "Captain He mentioned these words when he taught me, but I don't remember them clearly."

Indeed, how much did Zhang Xiaohua remember?

Zhang Xiaohu praised, "Having this manual is really great, like having a teacher by your side."

Zhang Xiaohua didn't say much, but he was deep in thought. Then, he looked up at Li Jin Feng and said, "Big Brother Li, I want to learn to read. Can you teach me?"

Li Jin Feng was surprised, looking at Zhang Xiaohua's bright, expectant eyes, and said, "Xiaohua, why do you suddenly want to learn to read? Oh, is it because you want to read the manual yourself?"

Zhang Xiaohua nodded and said, "Yes, Big Brother Li. You might not know, but finding a martial arts teacher to teach you is very difficult. Moreover, my talent for martial arts is not good, and I can't master any set of moves completely. I doubt any teacher would be willing to teach me. I want to practice more, but I can't read the manual. If I practice incorrectly, it could be a problem. So, I want to learn to read from you. Is that okay?"

Li Jin Feng said, "Of course, Xiaohua. Since you're resting on the bed, I gave you the manual to pass the time. If you can read, you'll gain knowledge and pass the time, which is a win-win. How could I not agree? However..."

Zhang Xiaohua quickly said, "However, what, Big Brother Li?"

Li Jin Feng, seeing Zhang Xiaohua's anxious look, laughed and said, "Teaching you to read is no problem. We can start right away. What I meant is that practicing from the manual alone is like building a cart in a closed room. It's not as good as having a teacher, who has practiced the moves themselves. As the saying goes, 'Practice makes perfect.' Without a teacher's guidance, you might go astray."

"Go astray? Ah, what should I do?" Zhang Xiaohua was speechless.

Zhang Xiaohu quickly said, "Don't worry, Xiaohua. First, learn to read and study the Erlang Fist manual. Compare it with what you've learned and gradually understand it. As for going astray, I'll find someone who has learned this set of moves, like a security guard or someone else, to ask for advice. That should make it safer."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "Second Brother's idea is great. Yes, I'll start learning to read right away."

Zhang Xiaohua was so happy that he moved a bit, and "Ouch!" a sharp pain shot through him, making him cry out.

Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jin Feng quickly came to the bed, not daring to touch his injured arm, and held Zhang Xiaohua's body, saying, "Be careful, don't move around. If your fingers grow crooked, you won't be able to practice martial arts."

So, while resting, Zhang Xiaohua began his journey to learn to read. Li Jin Feng, who enjoyed teaching, was very happy to have such a big student. He was so enthusiastic that he came to harass Zhang Xiaohua every two days, which made Zhang Xiaohu a bit annoyed. However, since Li Jin Feng was teaching his brother for free, he couldn't say anything. Reluctantly, he changed his practice place to the square of the security agency, and his practice method was a bit different from others. Sometimes, many people came to watch, which was quite strange.

One day, Zhang Xiaohu was practicing on the square, feeling a bit restless, and was about to finish when someone ran over and said that Uncle Qu wanted to see him at the martial arts hall. Zhang Xiaohu was surprised but then very happy, thinking it might be about joining the martial arts hall. He quickly thanked the person, tidied up, and went to the back yard.

Uncle Qu's room was on one side of the martial arts hall, a small and elegant house. At that moment, Yu Deyi was talking with Uncle Qu. Uncle Qu asked Yu Deyi with concern, "Deyi, how is your internal injury recovering?"

Yu Deyi said, "Thank you, Uncle Qu, it's almost fully recovered."

Uncle Qu looked at Yu Deyi's rosy complexion, nodded, and said, "Cultivating internal energy requires patience and gradual progress. Your temperament is usually restless, which could cause setbacks. As the saying goes, 'Being a good person is the foundation of martial arts.' To master martial arts, you must first be a good person; otherwise, it's like carrying water in a bamboo basket."

Yu Deyi quickly nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle, for your guidance."

Then, Uncle Qu said, "Deyi, your match with Zhang Xiaohu was inappropriate. Zhang Xiaohu is just a new security guard. No matter how high his martial arts skills or talent, he is far inferior to you. Why can't you tolerate his pride? It's fine to teach him a lesson, but why did you use internal energy in the match? This is a big taboo, and it could make people in the martial world look down on you. Fortunately, this happened within the security agency, and no one else knows. Otherwise, it would damage your reputation. You must be more careful in the future."

Yu Deyi's face turned red, and he said, "Uncle Qu, I got carried away and forgot everything around me, using the Purple Sand Palm. You know, I've practiced the Purple Sand Palm for over twenty years, and it's a habit. Sometimes, I use it without thinking."

Uncle Qu said, "Hmm, that makes sense. However, for Zhang Xiaohu to force you to use the Purple Sand Palm is interesting. I want to see how far he can go. What do you think of him?"

Yu Deyi thought for a moment and said, "From the moves we exchanged, he does have some real skills. He could grasp the essence of the Six Harmonies Fist after just learning it and even had his own understanding. He's a promising talent. However, without internal energy, his moves are like a toothless tiger, not very scary. When I used my internal energy, Zhang Xiaohu was as clumsy as a baby."

Uncle Qu scoffed and said, "He can't compare to you. You've practiced the family's Purple Sand Palm since childhood and have immersed yourself in it for decades. It would be strange if he could surpass you. Fortunately, your palm was intercepted by his brother. If it had hit his chest, he would have been dead, and you would have been in trouble. Though the martial world doesn't frown upon fighting, killing someone in broad daylight in Pingyang City is unacceptable. Even if it's not a big deal, it would cause trouble for your father."

Yu Deyi quickly stood up and said, "I understand, Uncle. Thank you for your guidance."

Uncle Qu stroked his beard and said, "Fortunately, his brother's punch was timely, and you controlled your internal energy well, pulling back just in time. You took the internal injury to avoid a bigger problem, which was handled appropriately."

At this moment, Yu Deyi's face showed a strange expression, and he said, "Uncle Qu, I have a good grasp of internal energy control. If I had pulled back on my own, I wouldn't have been injured."

"Hmm?" Uncle Qu was surprised and asked, "Is there something else?"

Then, Uncle Qu slapped his head and said, "Right, I almost forgot. Zhang Xiaohu's brother, when they came to the security agency for the test, lifted a 500-pound stone lock. No wonder you were injured. The force of his punch must have disrupted your energy flow."

Yu Deyi said with lingering fear, "Yes, when that force hit my palm, I was almost terrified. Fortunately, it was just pure strength. If it had been internal energy, it could have invaded my meridians while I was pulling back, causing more serious injuries."

Uncle Qu patted his shoulder and said, "Now, you don't need to worry. His brother's hand is disabled, and he can't practice martial arts anymore. Relying on his left hand's natural strength, he won't cause much trouble. It's a pity, but I heard from someone at the Huaxi Manor that his talent is worse than average. He learned from a man named He Tianshu for a month and couldn't even complete a set of moves. He's incredibly stupid. With his hand disabled, he can't practice martial arts, which might not be a pity. Perhaps there's another opportunity, and it's a good deed for you."

Yu Deyi asked, not quite believing, "Is his talent really that bad? His brother is almost a genius."

Uncle Qu laughed and said, "I heard this from a disciple of the Ethereal Sect who was with them. It should be true. I originally thought he had a rare natural strength and potential, which I found very regrettable. But after hearing this, I..."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Uncle Qu asked, "Who is it?"

The person outside answered, "I'm Zhang Xiaohu, Uncle Qu. You asked me to come, right?"

Uncle Qu, hearing this, exchanged a glance with Yu Deyi and said loudly, "Zhang Xiaohu, come in quickly."

Zhang Xiaohu pushed the door open and entered the room. Seeing Yu Deyi, he was slightly surprised, first greeting Uncle Qu and then bowing to Yu Deyi.

Yu Deyi quickly returned the bow and said, "Zhang Xiaohu, how is your brother's injury? I've been resting and haven't had time to visit. Please forgive me."

Zhang Xiaohu quickly said, "It's fine. My brother is recovering well and isn't in as much pain as before. I believe he will be fine soon. Don't worry, Yu Shao. How are you feeling?"

Yu Deyi smiled and said, "Thanks to you, I'm getting better every day. I can go out today, so I came to apologize to Uncle Qu."

Uncle Qu interjected, "Yes, Yu Deyi has been talking about his mistakes. However, Zhang Xiaohu, in martial arts, accidents can happen. I hope you can forgive him."

Zhang Xiaohu said, "Uncle Qu, Yu Shao, please don't worry. My brother and I understand this. Especially Xiaohua, he has no resentment, so there's no need to talk about forgiveness."

"Ha ha ha," Uncle Qu laughed and said, "Zhang Xiaohu, you and Yu Deyi are both future pillars of the Lotus Security Agency. There will be many opportunities for cooperation. I'm very happy to see you make up."

Zhang Xiaohu and Yu Deyi smiled along.

Then, the three of them sat down.

Uncle Qu said, "Zhang Xiaohu, I called you here to tell you that I've arranged everything with the Huaxi Manor. Your brother can stay and work there. As long as he's willing, he can stay as long as he likes. I had to use my old face to ask their master, but it's done."

Zhang Xiaohu quickly stood up and said, "Thank you, Uncle Qu."

Uncle Qu said, "It's my duty. Please sit down."

After Zhang Xiaohu sat down, Uncle Qu continued, "Let your brother rest at the security agency for now. He can return when he's better. As for you, I've discussed with Old Li. Starting tomorrow, you can come to the martial arts hall to learn. However, you still need to do your duties as a security guard. When there's a mission, you'll have to go out. But on regular days, you can study at the martial arts hall. How does that sound?"

Zhang Xiaohu was overjoyed and said, "That's too much trouble, Uncle Qu."

Uncle Qu laughed and said, "It's nothing. Finding a martial arts talent like you in the security agency is a great fortune. The future of our agency depends on young people like you."

Zhang Xiaohu and Yu Deyi quickly said, "We're not worthy. We need the guidance of our seniors."

Then, Uncle Qu encouraged Zhang Xiaohu a bit more and let him go.

However, when Zhang Xiaohu stood up, he bowed to Uncle Qu and said, "Uncle Qu, there's one more thing I want to ask, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate."

Uncle Qu smiled and said, "It's fine. Go ahead."

Zhang Xiaohu said, "My brother is resting in bed and is bored. He wants to read some boxing manuals, but I don't know where to find them. I heard the martial arts hall has some. Can you lend him a few to read?"

Uncle Qu thought for a moment and said, "That's fine. This child is so eager to learn, and we should support him. I'll write a note. You can take it and borrow whatever he likes, but make sure he doesn't share it with others, understood?"

Zhang Xiaohu was overjoyed, took the note, and thanked Uncle Qu repeatedly before leaving happily.

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End of the chapter.