Chinese martial arts: From human punching bags to martial arts mastery

1930 2 Month 13 Day.

It happened to be the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

The soft morning light spread across the surging river, and the shimmering waves gently rippled outwards.

A speedboat with its white sails billowing is speeding down the river with the help of the wind, its bow breaking through the surface and kicking up layers of fine waves.

Chen Feng stood with his hands behind his back at the bow of the boat, his knuckles slightly clasped behind him, the river breeze ruffling the hem of his clothes and the stray hairs on his forehead.

My gaze swept across both banks—the green hills receded into the distance, wisps of smoke rose from chimneys, fishing boats dotted the waters, and the river flowed eastward in torrents, a breathtaking panorama unfolding before my eyes!

Chen Feng gazed at the scenery flowing down the river.

With a slight frown, a mix of emotions welled up in his heart, all of which turned into deep reflections on his trip to Songjiang.

next moment.

After the thoughts receded like the tide.

Suddenly, lines of clear, golden characters appeared on Chen Feng's retina.

Heaven rewards diligence; success is inevitable.

[Tongbei Quan Minor Mastery: 470/1000]

[Minor Mastery of Hard Qigong: 720/1000]

[Tongbei Quan - Minor Success in Stance Training: 550/1000]

After a series of fierce battles, the experience points for all three skills were quite substantial.

But when he did a quick calculation, there were only about half a month left until the second day of the second lunar month, and the time was so tight that his heart sank.

He knew very well that his fame in Songjiang had already alerted Qian Hu.

That person had already touched the threshold of Dark Force, and this time he would definitely devote all his resources to frantic cultivation. Even if he could not truly break through, he would most likely have one foot in Dark Force.

Once Qian Hu reaches this point, his most prized skill, hard qigong, will no longer be able to withstand the opponent's attack.

Of the three methods, only hard qigong is the easiest to break through the barriers and develop hidden strength.

Chen Feng's throat tightened slightly, and he had already made up his mind: the only best option at the moment was to fight desperately and sweep through the major boxing rings in Shanghai under an anonymous identity.

But right now, my stance training, fist techniques, and hard qigong have all reached the third level, and my experience gain has increased tenfold.

To improve combat power quickly, steadily, and without any hidden dangers, it is necessary to take a large amount of drugs to assist in training. This huge expense is imminent.

Besides.

The news of his defeat at the Rice Market Ferry, where he leveled the millstone and personally killed the water rat, had already reached Huang Jinrong's ears. The old rogue was known for his ruthlessness and vindictiveness, and he would never let this go after suffering such a great loss.

In the battle of Songjiang Phoenix Mountain, he killed the arrogant Mishima Chiche and hundreds of water ghost ninjas, destroyed the secret stronghold of the Japanese Marine Corps, and forged a deadly enmity with the Japanese. These scoundrels are inherently sinister and vicious, and their methods are treacherous. Having been humiliated this time, they will surely plot in secret and wait for an opportunity to take revenge.

Throughout the journey, his greatest concern was always the safety of Aunt Lin and Xiao Aqiao; but when he thought of his master Yan Tieqiao, he felt more confident—he trusted his master's methods and character, and firmly believed that his master would protect his family.

The underground boxing ring, nicknamed "Beast Cage," had already incurred his wrath twice. His opponents were now determined to set a deadly trap, waiting for him to walk right into their snare before taking his life.

Surrounded by numerous crises, he was entrusted with a heavy mission: to take up his post in the lower reaches of the Suzhou River after the Lantern Festival.

The road ahead is shrouded in darkness and storms; every step is fraught with danger!

At this moment.

Just as Chen Feng was pondering and planning for the future.

An aged voice came from behind: "Young man!"

Followed by.

Hu Sanzhen walked slowly over, carrying a wine jug, his cloth shoes making no sound as they stepped on the deck.

When he reached Chen Feng's side, he raised his wrinkled hand and handed the wine jug directly to Chen Feng, a smile playing on his lips: "Have a sip, warm yourself up!"

Chen Feng reached out and took the wine pot, gently shaking it with his fingertips. Listening to the sound of the sake sloshing inside, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He tilted his head back and took a small sip; the cool liquor went down his throat, and a warm feeling instantly spread throughout his body.

next second.

Chen Feng's expression suddenly turned serious as he looked at Hu Sanzhen: "Old Hu! As agreed..."

He hadn't finished speaking.

"I know! I know!"

Hu Sanzhen reached out and snatched the wine jug, tilting his head back to take a large gulp. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he smacked his lips a few times. Suddenly, his expression turned serious, and his tone became somber: "Have you ever heard of Gu magic?"

Chen Feng raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly. Although he had heard of Gu techniques in his previous life and had seen them on screen, he knew nothing about the specifics of Gu techniques.

Hu Sanzhen suddenly changed the subject, pointing to the southeastern half of the cliff, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "In ancient times, women along the coast would have patterns tattooed and dyed on their foreheads and faces from a young age, using this method of self-protection by disfiguring themselves. It was called 'tattooing'!"

Upon hearing these words...

Chen Feng's pupils suddenly contracted, his heart sank, and he blurted out, "You mean Xiao A Qiao..."

Hu Sanzhen nodded slowly, his face devoid of any smile, his voice low and heavy.

"The mark on this girl's wrist indicates the presence of an ancient Gu technique called 'Guardian Gu'!"

"If one breaks the 'scar' through sexual intercourse with a man, it's fine; but if one pierces it oneself, the poison will instantly spread throughout the body, causing the skin to fester..."

"Once this Gu is activated, the person afflicted will have a maximum lifespan of only four years, equivalent to A, B, C, or D years!"

Chen Feng frowned, his face full of astonishment and confusion: "Four years?"

Hu Sanzhen nodded again, his gaze fixed on Chen Feng's face, and he spoke slowly and deliberately, emphasizing each word: "She only has one year left to live!"

Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat, his face instantly turning pale. He took a half-step forward, his voice urgent: "Old Hu! Since you know about this Gu technique, you must have a way to break it, right?"

Hu Sanzhen slowly shook his head, his old eyes filled with helplessness: "This Gu poison has always only led to death, with no way to break it!"

Chen Feng fell silent, his hands hanging by his sides clenching quietly, his knuckles turning white, unaware that his palms were deeply marked by his fingernails.

He possesses a system, so defying fate is commonplace for him. There must be a way to remove the curse in this world, but the most critical thing is that Xiao A Qiao's life is only a year away!

Every second is a death knell!

Chen Feng's gaze suddenly turned towards Shanghai, his dark eyes surging with a desperate determination—a resolute resolve to overcome all difficulties and find a solution!

Seeing his silence, Hu Sanzhen knew the young man was truly moved. He sighed softly, patted his shoulder, and said in a very low voice, "Just pretend you don't know anything about this. Don't cause her unnecessary worry!"

The voice just fell.

"Brother Feng!"

Hu Tao lifted her skirt and came to the deck, followed by Hu Mingxuan and others.

She stood at the bow of the boat, her bright eyes gazing at the breathtaking view where the river and sky met. She covered her mouth with her small hand, unable to contain her exclamation, "So beautiful! This landscape is truly magnificent!"

She then turned to Chen Feng, her eyes crinkling with a smile, and said in a light tone, "If all goes well, we should be able to dock at the Shanghai Beach pier by noon!"

As she spoke, a hint of relief flashed across her eyes.

She knew better than anyone that as long as Chen Feng's relationship with Hu Qingyutang remained, the Hu family's merchant ships would not only have unimpeded access to the Wusong waters, but would also receive special care from the two bandit leaders.

"Brother Feng!"

Hu Tao stepped forward, her expression suddenly becoming serious. She looked very far ahead, her eyes fixed firmly on Chen Feng.

"From now on, you only need to focus on your training and dealing with your enemies!"

"Hu Qing Yu Tang will pay you one hundred silver dollars every month. In addition, Hu Qing Yu Tang will cover all your household necessities, including rice, meat, qi-boosting powder, and life-saving pills for cultivation. There will be plenty for everyone!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng gladly clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and readily accepted the salary: "Thank you, Miss Hu Tao!"

Hu Mingxuan, standing to the side, smiled warmly, stepped forward, and raised his hand in invitation: "Brother Chen Feng, since it happens to be the Lantern Festival, why don't you join us at the Hu Qing Yu Tang flagship store to celebrate the festival together?"

Hu Tao's eyes lit up instantly, and she quickly moved closer to Chen Feng, gently tugging at his sleeve with her little hand, her tone filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Brother Feng! The main store is on Huzhou Road, super close to the City God Temple in Nanshi! Tonight...we can even go to the lantern festival!"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly added, "We'll bring Aunt Lin and Xiao Aqiao over then, so everyone can celebrate the Lantern Festival together in a lively atmosphere!"