Chapter 04: Temptation

The two individuals nodded simultaneously, signifying the official commencement of the confrontation

In the past, my master studied the principles of offense and defense in martial arts from around the world. Coincidentally, I have also researched Brother Lu's technique, and my master imparted the method to counter it to me. I, Long Chen, truly won by sheer luck. What Long Chen said is not without merit; the combat techniques learned by the special forces integrate the strengths of various schools, emphasizing rapid engagement, breaking the enemy, and killing the enemy. They have conducted research on various techniques, and methods to counter them have also been developed. For every move and technique, the appropriate counter has already been studied by the predecessors in the People's Liberation Army. Lu Han is not only facing Long Chen alone, as behind Long Chen stand hundreds of soldiers from the People's Liberation Army.

Seeing his guard interject, Mao Youjun did not react. In fact, he was somewhat skeptical; he was well aware of Liu Dezong's skills. It was believable that this young man could defeat Liu Dezong, but to subdue him with a single move was too far-fetched. Mao Youjun also did not believe it, and he seized the opportunity to let Lu Han have a try.

However, Lu Han suddenly felt as if all the strength had been drained from his arms, and the defense of the Luohan arm was instantly breached. When he opened his eyes, the opponent's hand was already poised at his neck.

At the moment of a change in tactics, it is often when the opponent is feeling anxious. At this moment, Long Chen's eyes brightened; instead of retreating, he advanced swiftly towards Zhou Kefeng

"Thank you." Long Chen also cupped his fists in salute

Zhou Kefeng realized that something was wrong and quickly retreated, intending to separate from Long Chen. However, at that moment, Long Chen seemed to be completely glued to Zhou Kefeng, charging towards his chest with even greater speed.

Luhan nodded, walked out of the door, and began to undress in preparation

A jar of old white liquor was shared among the crowd, which was really just enough for everyone to moisten their throats, after all, this was in the military camp, and Mao Youjun did not dare to take the lead in getting completely drunk; it was sufficient for everyone to just have a little. As for the dishes on the table, there was no need to be polite; it looked like a table full of food, and if you were a bit reserved and did not actively 'snatch' some, you might indeed end up not being full.

Long Chen shook his head, indicating that he would not. In his previous life, Long Chen was an orphan, having grown up in an orphanage in Hangzhou until the age of five when he was taken by the military. He had no opportunity to interact with the outside world, and naturally could not learn the local dialect.

Mao Youjun nodded slightly. The reason he had previously asked Long Chen whether he could speak in dialect was actually because his god-grandfather, Mao Wenlong, was also from Qiantang. He merely wanted to confirm whether they were indeed fellow townsmen. Since the other party said he could not speak in dialect, that was that.

This is the extraordinary quality of a master, which cannot be measured by common standards. Brother Zhou's knife technique has already reached a remarkable level, and naturally, he has his own unique way of wielding the knife. By the same token, Brother Long's short knife combat skills should also have their own set of techniques. Liu Dezong, who was responding, was also captivated by the confrontation taking place in the arena.

In fact, even if Long Chen could speak the local dialect, it is likely that it would not align with the current generation. Many local dialects in later generations have changed significantly due to the influence of a large number of Manchu people who came after the Qing Dynasty entered the Central Plains. Hangzhou Prefecture also had Manchu districts back in the day

Long Chen turned to face Mao Youjun and said, "I, Long, am skilled in the art of combat with a short knife. May I ask if the general could lend me the short knife at your waist for my use?"

In fact, regarding the picture book, even if one starts with their eyes closed, it is not a significant issue. Once martial arts reach a certain level, spiritual perception can serve as a substitute for sight. However, the inability to use one's eyes will still have an impact on one's writing, resulting in a temporary disadvantage.

I followed my master out at a very young age; he taught me martial arts. Later, my master passed away, and I decided to venture out on my own.

Zhou Kefeng charged forward with a knife, attempting to close the distance to Long Chen quickly. Logically, Long Chen, armed with a short knife, should have been eager to engage in close combat. However, Long Chen deliberately shifted his position, denying Zhou Kefeng the opportunity to get close.

The skills of Brother Long are truly remarkable. To speak frankly, the rumors outside are not unfounded; I was indeed taken down by Brother Long with a single move. Liu Dezhong advised Mao Youjun, as a significant part of this meal was Liu Dezhong's intention to recommend Long Chen to Mao Youjun. On one hand, Liu Dezhong realized that this young man Long Chen is extraordinary and will surely rise to prominence in the future, allowing him to do a favor in passing. On the other hand, recommending a talent to Mao Youjun would demonstrate Liu Dezhong's own value to him, which could be seen as a form of 'securing favor.' On one hand, Liu Dezhong realized that this young man Long Chen is extraordinary and will surely rise to prominence in the future, allowing him to do a favor in passing. On the other hand, recommending a talent to Mao Youjun would demonstrate Liu Dezhong's own value to him, which could be seen as a form of 'securing favor.'

Mao Youjun nodded and said, "This is excellent. Let us witness the martial arts of the Dragon Brothers once more. Let me make it clear, we will stop at the point of contact, stop at the point of contact."

A native of Qiantang County in Hangzhou. Long Chen is indeed from the upper urban area of Hangzhou, which corresponds to Qiantang County during the Ming Dynasty

Mao Youjun, without saying a word, unsheathed the short knife from his waist and threw it, along with the scabbard, to Long Chen, saying, "Long Chen, feel free to use it. I also wish to open my eyes and see the skills of Brother Long in combat with the short knife"

This is indeed interesting; those wielding long knives wish to engage closely, while those with short knives do not desire to do so. Mao Youjun observed this with great interest from the side

Regardless of whether it was taught by a master, as long as Brother Long can wield it, it is Brother Long's skill. In short, I, Lu Han, am convinced

Before Zhou Kefeng could change his tactics, Long Chen slid his short knife along Zhou Kefeng's long knife, instantly creating a shower of sparks

This is clearly Mao Youjun testing the fists and feet, and now he wants to test the blades and swords. Long Chen naturally cannot refuse nor evade, and promptly replied: "I am honored to receive your guidance; let us consider this a friendly sparring session."

Long Chen has truly understood what it means for the dining table to be like a battlefield. Everyone remains silent, merely moving their chopsticks. It is not easy to enjoy good food in this remote valley compared to the outside world

"Brother Liu, is there really a need to praise someone so excessively? I see that Brother Long is quite young; he is not as remarkable as you say. It is true that you recommend talents to the general, but it shouldn't be this exaggerated." The speaker was one of Mao Youjun's two bodyguards, named Lu Han. Liu Dezong had also served as a bodyguard for Mao Youjun, so they were somewhat familiar with each other. Lu Han believed that even if his skills were superior to Liu Dezong's, they were not vastly different. However, Liu Dezong was now belittling himself while elevating Long Chen, which was essentially a roundabout way of deprecating himself.

"That is indeed the case." Mao Youjun nodded.

As he could not get close to Long Chen for a long time, Zhou Kefeng lost his patience and began to wield his blade to sever Long Chen's spatial movement, now let's see where you can turn to

At that moment, he walked straight out of the door and stood there quietly. Long Chen was wearing a coat, and due to his abnormal physique, he felt no cold at all in the middle of winter. The jeans and black long-sleeve shirt he wore when he crossed over had already been put away by him. His current outfit was naturally also intended for Hu Meng.

Mao Youjun was slightly taken aback, then asked, "Can you speak the local dialect there?"

Mao Youjun and others also stepped out of the house, watching the impending duel between the two at the edge of the arena

The first to attack was Long Chen, who executed a back dragon stance with his left foot, directly kicking up a layer of dust from the ground, all of which was thrown onto Lu Han's face in front of him.

Lu Han took off his jacket, and then he further removed his coat, walking forward bare-chested for two steps to clasp his fists in salute to Long Chen: "Brother Long, please go ahead."

Liu Dezong and Lu Han also nodded. At this moment, Long Chen seized the opportunity, thrusting the short knife directly in, breaking through Zhou Kefeng's defenses, and had completely engaged with the opponent. At this time, the long knife was less agile than the short knife, which began to gain the upper hand. It can be said that at this moment, Long Chen's victory was essentially assured.

Zhou Kefeng raised his saber and said, "I am skilled in the use of the long saber; may I ask which weapon you, Brother Long, are proficient with"

Lu Han immediately closed his eyes, and soon felt a strong wind rushing towards him. Even with his eyes closed, Lu Han knew that Long Chen was attacking him. He immediately adopted a double-fist Luohan defensive stance. Long Chen smiled, inserted his hands between Lu Han's arms, and then transformed his palm attack into a claw attack, gripping the soft parts of Lu Han's arms and exerting force.

Long Chen sighed inwardly: I knew this meal wouldn't be easy to eat. However, it's just a matter of raising a hand; who is afraid of whom? Although he understood that Mao Youjun was testing him, this was also what Long Chen hoped for. In his previous life, he was an elite member of a special forces team, considered top-tier within the ranks of the People's Liberation Army. Naturally, he was quite proud of himself. Now that he has crossed over, he is not willing to settle for being just a small soldier.

Mao Youjun took the lead in applauding, and behind him, Liu Dezong and another guard also joined in the applause. They would not be constrained by any tricks or the use of dust. When it comes to actual combat on the battlefield, can you really impose rules prohibiting this or that?

Zhou Kefeng furrowed his brow, swinging his blade horizontally, intending to cleave Long Chen in half. However, he soon felt the hilt of his sword become stuck, as Long Chen surprisingly blocked the long sword with a short dagger, protecting himself.

Then please proceed. From the previous contest of fists and kicks, Long Chen easily defeated Lu Han, so Zhou Kefeng naturally would not think that the other party's use of a short knife was due to underestimating him. Any weapon, as long as it is used well, can claim supremacy.

The outcome has been determined. Mao Youjun sighed lightly

One move, and yet another move to defeat the enemy

Liu Dezhong also understood the meaning of his general, so he naturally went along with it, saying, "How about this? Whether I am speaking nonsense or not, let Brother Long and Brother Lu handle it, and we will know the truth, right? General, what do you think?"

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they began to discuss serious matters. Mao Youjun spoke first, "Brother Long, may I ask you, who are those people?"

Lu Han clearly understood this principle, and immediately clasped his fists, "Brother Long is indeed formidable, able to break my Luohan Arm in one go."

Mao Youjun lightly shrugged his shoulders, and another guard standing behind him stepped forward with a knife, cupping his fists in salute to Long Chen, saying: "I am Zhou Kefeng. I have witnessed your impressive martial arts skills, and I have come to seek your guidance on swordsmanship. May I ask if you would be so kind as to impart your knowledge to me?"

Long Chen took the dagger, bowed his head in gratitude to Mao Youjun, and then faced Zhou Kefeng, saying, "Alright, I will use this short dagger to spar with Brother Zhou's long sword."