Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

As the sun began to set, the convoy entered a small town.

The town is small, with a few scattered shops along both sides of the main road, mostly inns, taverns, blacksmith shops, and horse shops, clearly catering to travelers.

"We've arrived!" Zhao Tieshan rode back, a relaxed look on his face. "Young Master, 'Old Yang's Inn' is just ahead. The old manager has been cooperating with us for over ten years, so it's safe."

Su Derong nodded: "As per the old rules, we'll rest here tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll cross Black Wind Ridge."

The inn's sign reads "Old Yang's Inn," the paint is slightly worn, but the facade is clean.

The innkeeper, a plump middle-aged man, greeted them with a broad smile as soon as he saw the镖旗 (镖旗 is a type of escort service flag), warmly greeting Su Derong and Zhao Tieshan: "Young Master Su! Boss Zhao! It's been a while since we've seen Young Master Su on this route!"

"The backyard has been cleared out. As per the old rules, the three shared rooms in the east wing are for the workers, and the two clean rooms in the west wing are for the bodyguards," Old Manager Yang said in a low voice as he walked. "There's hot water on the stove, and the meals are braised pork, flatbread, and vegetable and tofu soup—all you can eat. The stables are by the west wall, and the fodder is new."

Su Derong nodded and stuffed two pieces of silver into Old Yang's hand: "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Yang. Be vigilant at night, and if any strangers come seeking lodging, just let me know."

"Don't worry, young master, I know the rules." Old Yang took the silver, put it in his pocket, and turned to make arrangements.

The cargo boxes were unloaded and piled up in the center of the backyard, covered with a cloth, and Zhao Tieshan personally led two porters to guard them.

The horses were led into the stable, where they were fed and given water. Only then did everyone disperse to wash up and eat.

Meals were served in the main hall, where several square tables were pushed together. The braised pork was cut thickly, the flatbread was crispy and fragrant, and the vegetable and tofu soup was steaming hot.

According to the rules of escorting goods, no alcohol is consumed at the meal, and everyone eats quickly and quietly.

After the meal, Su Derong put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and looked at everyone: "Tonight, I will keep watch for the first half of the night, and Master Zhao will keep watch for the second half. The rest of you, if you have nothing to do, stay in the courtyard and don't go out or make any noise."

"Young Master, why do you need to guard it yourself?" Zhou Yong couldn't help but ask. "A few of us taking turns is enough."

Su Derong shook his head: "Rules are rules. You should rest when you need to, and make sure you're well-rested, because we still have to travel tomorrow."

Zhou Yong opened his mouth, but said nothing more.

After the meal, it got completely dark.

Two oil lamps hung under the eaves of the inn, their dim light barely illuminating half the courtyard.

Su Derong picked up a small stool, sat down inside the threshold of the inn's main entrance, leaned against the door frame, and closed his eyes to rest.

This is the posture of a night watchman—seemingly relaxed, but actually alert to all directions, able to react instantly to the slightest movement.

Two porters crouched in the shadows beside the caravan, one on each side, like two stone statues.

The rest of the people were scattered in the courtyard, stretching their muscles and joints.

After the porters finished clearing away the dishes, they didn't rush back to their rooms. Instead, they squatted in twos and threes on the porch and chatted idly.

They talked about everyday matters and what they saw and heard along the way, never mentioning the goods or the route.

This is an ironclad rule for escorts: even on their own turf, they must keep their mouths shut.

Zhou Yong took off his coat, revealing his lean yet well-defined arms.

He stood still in the open space of the courtyard, took a deep breath, and slowly assumed a fighting stance. His arms were outstretched, his fingers were slightly hooked, and his body was slightly bent forward, like a white ape poised to pounce.

He then unleashed his fists and feet, his movements light and agile, his shifts and turns carrying a wild and cunning edge.

The force of the punch swept past, making a slight "whoosh" sound, clearly indicating that he had been practicing for a long time.

"Zhou Yong's 'White Ape Fist' is getting more and more impressive." Wang Gui watched from the side with his arms crossed, a look of approval on his honest face.

He also loosened up his limbs, walked to the other side of the open space, sat down with his back bent, and slowly pushed out with both palms.

The palm technique is profound and unadorned; with each push and press, the force is concentrated, as if it could cleave through the clouds.

It was his family's "Cloud Splitting Palm" technique that he practiced.

Several resting porters gathered around and whispered among themselves:

"Zhou the镖师's punch is really fast! Last time I saw him use it, he took down four hooligans blocking the road in one move."

"Wang the镖师's palm strike is truly solid! Last year, when he was escorting goods, a rockfall occurred, and he smashed a boulder the size of a washbasin with a single palm strike, saving the entire load of cargo!"

"Hey, tell me, what's the new bodyguard Chen's Xingyi Quan like? I've heard that internal martial arts are very mysterious, and the way they generate power is different from our external martial arts..."

Zhou Yong stopped his attack, grinned at Chen Jianghe, but his eyes held undisguised provocation: "What's wrong, Brother Chen? Do you still remember what I said earlier? When it comes to escorting goods, just knowing how to read the road and recognize the tracks isn't enough. When things get tough, you have to rely on your fists."

He cracked his knuckles, making a soft popping sound. "I see Brother Chen practices internal martial arts at the gym, emphasizing cultivating internal strength. I wonder if it can withstand a real fight?"

The courtyard fell silent for a moment after he said that.

Chen Jianghe understood that this "test of strength" was unavoidable.

It's both a competition among peers and a way to establish one's position within this small team.

Chen Jianghe hesitated for a moment, then got up and walked over, cupping his fists and saying, "Senior Brother Zhou, Senior Brother Wang, I am a beginner and would appreciate your guidance."

"It's not really about giving pointers, just sparring," Zhou Yong said, his eyes brightening. He patted Wang Gui on the shoulder. "Wang Gui, why don't you give Brother Chen a run for his money first?"

Wang Gui nodded, walked to an open space in the courtyard, assumed the starting stance of the Cloud-Splitting Palm, and said in a deep voice, "Brother Chen, please."

The two got into position.

Wang Gui's "Cloud-Splitting Palm" has a very special starting stance: his palms are positioned one in front of the other, with the palms slightly concave and the five fingers naturally extended, like clouds gathering lightly.

He moved slowly, circling halfway around Chen Jianghe. Suddenly, he made a feint with his left palm while hiding his right palm under his ribs, seemingly attacking but not actually attacking.

Chen Jianghe assumed the Three-Body Stance, his gaze fixed on Wang Gui's shoulders.

Xingyiquan emphasizes "a calm mind, clear vision, and unified strength".

Wang Gui made a move.

The left palm transformed from a feint into a real strike, directly hitting Chen Jianghe's right shoulder. The palm wind was gentle, yet it contained a hidden, entangling force.

Instead of retreating, Chen Jianghe advanced, raising his right arm to intercept with a chopping punch!

The fist and palm collided, producing a dull "smack" sound.

Wang Gui felt a powerful force penetrate his palm, causing his entire arm to go slightly numb. He was secretly alarmed and stepped back to change his move.

His right palm emerged from under his ribs, rising like clouds and mist, and covered Chen Jianghe's face.

Chen Jianghe twisted his waist and hips, unleashing a sudden burst of Beng Quan!

The punch was swift and straight, aimed directly at Wang Gui's center. Wang Gui hurriedly defended with both palms, using a soft, yielding force to deflect it. The two exchanged blows, quickly going back and forth for seven or eight moves.

The onlookers whispered among themselves:

"Master Wang's Cloud-Splitting Palm technique is truly impressive, combining softness with strength!"

"Master Chen's punches are even harder; every strike makes a loud cracking sound!"

"Xingyi Quan truly lives up to its reputation..."

Suddenly, Wang Gui let out a soft shout and struck out with both palms in quick succession, the palm shadows layered like clouds, completely covering Chen Jianghe's upper body.

This is his painstakingly practiced "Cloud Stacking Three Forms," ​​which combines feints and real attacks, specifically designed to counter direct and forceful boxing techniques.

Chen Jianghe, however, remained calm.

He shifted his feet, his body gliding through the gaps in the palm shadows like a fish, while his right fist transformed from a chop into a drill, shooting upwards straight at Wang Gui's armpit!

This sudden change of move caught Wang Gui off guard, and he hurriedly lowered his elbow to block.

"Bang!"

After their fists and elbows collided, Wang Gui staggered back two steps before regaining his footing.

He shook his numb arm and said with a wry smile, "Brother Chen, you're quite skilled. I've lost."

Chen Jianghe finished his stance, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Brother Wang, you flatter me. The continuous and winding force of the Cloud-Splitting Palm has benefited me greatly."

These words were spoken sincerely, and Wang Gui's expression softened considerably. He smiled and said, "Brother Chen, you're too kind. I've truly broadened my horizons with the integrated power of Xingyi Quan."

"I'll give it a try!"

Zhou Yong suddenly strode into the center of the field.

He stared intently at Chen Jianghe, a smirk playing on his lips. "Brother Chen, Old Wang's palm technique was gentle; you won beautifully. I practice 'White Ape Fist,' which focuses on lightness and speed. I wonder how Xingyi Quan counters fast punches?"

The atmosphere froze slightly.

Wang Gui frowned: "Old Zhou, we agreed to spar, what are you doing...?"

"It's just a test of our skills." Zhou Yong cracked his knuckles, his fierce eyes fixed on Chen Jianghe. "Brother Chen, to ride in the lead carriage with the young master, you must be quite capable. I, Zhou Yong, have been with the escort agency for three years; it's not too much to ask for a few moves today, is it?"

Chen Jianghe looked at Zhou Yong.

The man's resentment was almost undisguised. Did he feel he lacked experience yet had gained Su Derong's favor? Or did he simply want to test his own abilities?

He was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Please give me your guidance, Brother Zhou."

Without another word, Zhou Yong ducked and sprang out like a monkey!

The White Ape Fist was indeed swift, with punches and kicks as fast as the wind, specifically targeting the upper body.

Zhou Yong's footwork was agile, shifting left and right, his fists flying continuously, aiming straight for Chen Jianghe's head, face, throat, heart, and other vital points.

Chen Jianghe lowered his waist and sat on his hips, maintaining a stable stance in the Three-Body Stance.

While Xingyiquan does emphasize "hard fighting and advancing," it is not simply about brute force.

His eyes were like lightning, accurately capturing the momentum, angle, and feint of every punch amidst Zhou Yong's rapid and relentless attacks.

Five moves.

Ten moves.

Zhou Yong became increasingly alarmed as he fought.

He believed that the White Ape Fist was extremely fast, and ordinary Ming Jin martial artists simply couldn't keep up with its pace.

But Chen Jianghe guarded it flawlessly.

Every punch seemed poised to land, yet he always managed to dodge it at the last second by a hair's breadth, or deftly deflect it with his fist or elbow.

What alarmed Zhou Yong even more was that Chen Jianghe's breathing remained steady and his eyes remained calm.

This is not passively taking a beating; it is observing and learning.

"Damn it..." Zhou Yong cursed inwardly. He changed his punching style again and suddenly swept his leg down, attacking Chen Jianghe's lower body!

Chen Jianghe seemed to have anticipated this, lightly lifting his right foot to dodge the sweeping kick, while simultaneously unleashing a powerful left punch like a cannon!

The Cannon Fist belongs to the Fire element, characterized by its explosive and fierce nature.

Zhou Yong hurriedly crossed his arms to block, but the punch sent his blood surging. He staggered back three steps, his back hitting a locust tree before he could barely regain his footing.

He was panting heavily as he looked at Chen Jianghe, his expression shifting.

Chen Jianghe slowly finished his stance, clasped his hands and said, "Brother Zhou's White Ape Fist is swift and agile. If I hadn't practiced Xingyi Quan for a long time and was familiar with the fast-paced fighting style, I would probably have been defeated long ago."

That statement gave them a good way out.

Zhou Yong stared at him for a few moments, then suddenly burst out laughing and shook his head, saying, "A loss is a loss. Brother Chen, I, Zhou Yong, am convinced. Xingyi Quan is indeed remarkable, and what's even more admirable is your character—you could have won quickly, but you stayed with me for over twenty moves, saving face for me."

He walked up to Chen Jianghe, solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "Brother Chen, I admit defeat. I was very rude just now, please don't take it to heart."

Chen Jianghe returned the greeting: "Brother Zhou, you flatter me. It is only right to exchange skills and compete. Without an opponent like Brother Zhou, I would hardly be able to improve."

Zhou Yong straightened up, a genuine smile finally appearing on his face: "Alright! That's a good idea! From now on, we'll go on escort missions side by side; I trust you!"

The onlookers breathed a sigh of relief and quickly smoothed things over with smiles:

"These two bodyguards are quite skilled!"

"I've really seen something new today!"

"Let's go, let's go to sleep. We still have to travel tomorrow..."

Wang Gui sidled up and put his arms around Chen Jianghe and Zhou Yong's shoulders: "Come on, come on! I have a bag of peanuts in my room. Let's have some tea and chat! Brother Chen, you have to tell me all about your martial arts training experience!"