Ming Dynasty: I am truly not the Emperor of Longevity

"The Commander-in-Chief actually knows about internal energy?"

Qin Fang's eyes lit up.

"Since you have asked, I dare not conceal anything."

When my late father was alive, he mentioned to me that there were some very powerful masters in the martial arts world who possessed a profound martial art called internal force.

This martial art is incredibly magical. It is said to allow people to unleash power far exceeding that of ordinary people, both in terms of strength and reaction speed, far surpassing that of ordinary martial arts practitioners like us.

Legend has it that when one reaches a high level of mastery, a seemingly ordinary punch or kick can shatter the bones and liver of an ordinary martial artist.

Some masters of internal energy can even split rocks and shatter stone tablets with just their bare hands, and can also attack opponents several steps away with their palms.

Unfortunately, my father never truly faced such a master, whether he was mingling with gangs in his early years or later serving under Commander Gao.

The information I am sharing is all from rumors that my late father heard in the martial arts world back then.

My late father himself wasn't sure how much of it was true and how much was false.

However, my late father did tell me that he was certain there were masters in this world whose strength far surpassed that of ordinary martial artists.

Before joining Gao Qianhu's gang, my father's important branch, which was guarded by more than 20 skilled fighters, was almost completely wiped out overnight.

According to survivors who narrowly escaped with their lives, they were attacked by only two people.

Among those twenty-odd skilled fighters, at least three were no less skilled than my late father, and the others were not far behind.

When my late father was alive, his martial arts skills, though I wouldn't say they were the best in the entire Linqing Thousand Household Garrison, were at least in the top ten. I estimate that the skills of these twenty-odd people are no worse than those of the young men under your command.

In a direct confrontation, ten against one, they were almost wiped out. Only two, realizing the danger, jumped into the latrine pit to hide and escaped with their lives.

This is something that ordinary martial arts masters could not do.

My late father always suspected that the two mysterious men were masters of internal energy, but unfortunately, he never had the chance to confirm it.

"In other words, even your father had only heard rumors back then."

Hearing Qin Fang's words, Lu Chen frowned slightly.

Therefore, the number of martial arts masters who have mastered internal energy may be smaller than one might expect, and most of them keep a low profile.

Ordinary people in the martial arts world rarely have the opportunity to come into contact with it and can only hear some dubious legends.

Moreover, no sect in the martial arts world has publicly claimed to possess any kind of internal martial arts secret.

Information related to internal energy may only circulate within a specific circle, and it is difficult for outsiders to know the details.

This is quite different from the martial arts world described in the novels I read before I transmigrated!

Is it really the only way to find an opportunity to go to the prefectures bordering Huguang and Henan and personally meet the three leaders of the Chang Le Society?

No, there's actually another clue!

The man surnamed Xie and the woman skilled in throwing darts that I encountered in the dilapidated temple in Tongbai Mountain!

"Have you ever heard of a couple in the martial arts world? The man claims to be surnamed Xie, and he is highly skilled in martial arts and has a burly build, while the woman is adept at using throwing darts."

Lu Chen considered a possibility and asked,

"These two look to be around thirty years old. They are not only fellow disciples but also husband and wife. It is said that they have been roaming the martial arts world for nearly ten years and have some reputation."

"Are you referring to 'mountain wind', sir?!"

After a moment of contemplation, Qin Fang finally spoke.

"When my father was alive, he always paid close attention to the various rumors circulating in the martial arts world, and he often told them to me."

After careful consideration, I realized that only the "mountain wind" matches your description.

About ten years ago, a pair of notorious thieves, a man and a woman, appeared in the Huguang, Henan, and Southern Zhili areas. They were only in their early twenties.

In the early years, the two were very active, committing numerous crimes, including robbing merchants and travelers, and clashing with some underworld forces, resulting in several firefights.

Rumor has it that several gangs sent large numbers of skilled fighters to besiege them, but they all managed to escape.

These two were highly skilled in martial arts; the woman was adept at using throwing darts, and the man was burly and also claimed to be surnamed Xie.

However, the specific martial arts skills he was proficient in did not become known in the martial arts world; all that was known was that he was highly skilled in martial arts.

None of those who faced him head-on survived, and even some eyewitnesses from a distance couldn't see clearly.

This is precisely why he earned the nickname "Over-the-Mountain Wind," which refers to a type of venomous snake from the south. It is said that those bitten by it are beyond saving and will inevitably die.

About five or six years ago, a retired official from Beijing was ambushed and killed on his way back to his hometown. Everyone present was killed, and no one survived.

Among them were more than ten bodyguards armed with swords. The valuable gold and silver jewelry in their luggage was looted, but many heavy and valuable items were left behind at the scene.

Based on the scene, the local authorities determined that the number of robbers was small, and they might even be lone thieves. Initially, they did not identify who was responsible.

Several months later, a pawnshop in a neighboring county received a treasure that was recognized as the stolen goods.

Based on the description provided by the pawnshop clerk, the yamen (government office) identified "Guo Shanfeng" as the suspect and posted arrest warrants in several neighboring prefectures and counties, offering a reward of fifty taels of silver for his capture.

Although fifty taels was a small amount, it was the highest reward offered by the government for the capture of notorious bandits.

The family of the official in Beijing who was intercepted and killed offered an additional 500 taels of silver as a reward.

However, these two people disappeared without a trace, and I never heard from them again until my father passed away three years ago.

The bounty for "Over the Mountain Wind" is still up, sir. How did you come to know about these two men?

"I only heard about it by chance."

Lu Chen waved his hand gently.

As expected, these masters with internal energy were not living in seclusion; it's just that outside their circle, ordinary people had no idea about their backgrounds.

I told you, even masters of internal energy are human, with emotions and desires!

They need what ordinary people need for their lives, so how could they possibly be completely detached from society?

Those who have faced the "Mountain Wind" head-on are not entirely without survivors.

The second-in-command of the Chang Le Society is one, and I am another. There should be other experts, but they are just unknown to the public.

That makes things easier. Since that man surnamed Xie has earned the reputation of "Over the Mountain Wind" in the martial arts world, there must be other masters who are equally famous.

Among these people, although some may be unworthy of their reputation, there will certainly be some who, like the man surnamed Xie, are true martial arts masters with internal strength.

"Qin Fang, I have a task for you."

Lu Chen thought for a moment,

"Your father must have taught you how to gather information about the martial arts world."

I'll take a few men, change into civilian clothes, and go scout around. I want to know which other notorious bandits in the martial arts world are as famous as "Over the Mountain Wind," especially those operating along the Grand Canal.

Those who have committed crimes in the Linqing area should be given extra attention!