Chapter 3, Stealing Skills (Part 2)

It is somewhat unjust for Qin Feng, as although there are many martial arts schools and renowned masters in the region of Cangzhou, the saying goes "the poor are scholars while the rich are martial artists." To become an apprentice and learn the craft, one must offer a substantial amount of money as a gift to the master

Are you asking why I did not take him under my wing a few years ago

Grandfather Liu, I cannot do it

Looking into the old man's clear eyes, Qin Feng shook his head in pain. The reason he had been secretly learning skills for four years was to avenge his parents' blood feud. Since it was about revenge, he naturally would stop at nothing. How could he possibly give up because of a single word from the old man

Therefore, Liu Jiacheng could hardly believe that such talk about martial arts and moral cultivation actually came from his father's mouth This was akin to asking a tiger to graze on grass, a ridiculous notion beyond measure

What a little rascal, daring to steal my skills

Liu Zimo was also aware of the matter regarding Qin Feng secretly learning martial arts at home, and even discreetly taught Qin Feng the training formulas; otherwise, merely observing the boxing techniques, Qin Feng would never have been able to cultivate any skills in his lifetime

However, while there are often good mentors, it is not always the case that capable disciples will encounter them by chance. In the past, many traditional skills have disappeared largely due to the inadequacy of the disciples, who failed to carry on the teachings of their masters.

Although Master Li had never been defeated in his lifetime of martial arts competitions, known for his ruthless strikes and nicknamed 'Li the Ruthless', the nature of combat during that era was characterized by inflicting injury. There was no concession in the heat of battle, and strikes were delivered without mercy. Master Li's skills were formidable, and when he struck with force, it was inevitable that his opponents would suffer fatal injuries.

Four years ago, Liu Yunjiao returned to his hometown and offered free instruction in Baji Quan to his disciples. Of course, his aim was to popularize Baji Quan; however, he would not impart certain essential techniques from the traditional teachings to these disciples

Zimo, it is my fault

Liu Jiacheng shot a fierce glare at Tu Shu, then turned to his father and said: "Dad, how do you think we should handle this matter? Should we take back his skills?"

However, Qin Feng goes out to scavenge for scraps every day before dawn, and by the end of the day, the earnings are barely enough to feed himself and his sister. Where would he find the money to seek a master and learn a trade?

Upon considering this, Liu Jiacheng could not help but feel a sense of admiration for talent. He turned to his father and said, "Dad, this young man's aptitude is quite good. How about... we take him under our wing?"

Although he was scolded by that boy, Qin Feng did not feel angry. He had been here for five years, and due to relying on collecting scraps to make a living, he was looked down upon by the local children. However, Liu Zimo, who was speaking, was his only friend.

Seeing his good friend in difficulty, Qin Feng took two steps forward, straightened his chest, and spoke up: "Grandpa Liu, I... I did not come here to play, but... but to practice martial arts!"

Forget it, I have no ability to change your fate, child, you may go!

The old gentleman in the courtyard sighed, looked at Qin Feng, and said: "This child has delicate brow bones and possesses a rare talent for martial arts that is hard to come by in a hundred years. Do you think I cannot see that?"

The old man shot a glare at his son, and after a moment of thought, said to Qin Feng: "At such a young age, you are filled with an overwhelming hostility. You must have experienced significant upheaval in your life. A martial artist should cultivate martial virtue, with the aim of strengthening the body and mind. Can you achieve this? If you can, I can take you under the wing of the Eight Extremes Sect"

After the death of Li Shuwen, Liu Yunjiao returned to his hometown. In 1936, he defeated the Kanto Army's swordsmanship instructor, Ota Tokushiro, in Tianjin South, thus gaining considerable fame in the martial arts community

Old Master Liu shook his head and said: "Although this child possesses exceptional talent and aptitude, he has a fierce brow and a face that suggests an early demise. If I am not mistaken, he is unlikely to survive this year..."

"Father, what did you say?" Although the old man's words were directed at Qin Feng, they left Liu Laer beside him with his mouth agape, looking at his father in disbelief

Master Liu, do you... do you want to take me as your disciple

After hearing the news, Qin Feng also came to seek apprenticeship, but he was rejected by Old Master Liu, which is why there was a hint of grievance in Qin Feng's words

Liu Yunjiao turned his gaze towards Qin Feng and continued, "However, Master Li abides by the rules of the martial world, never resorting to sneak attacks, underhanded tactics, or breaking promises. This is the virtue of a warrior. Qin Feng, can you do the same?"

Upon hearing Qin Feng's words, Liu Zimo's second uncle, Liu Jiacheng, could not help but show a grim expression. Knowing that Qin Feng had secretly learned martial arts was one thing, but having it stated openly was another matter entirely; it was tantamount to humiliating the Liu family's reputation.

Unlike most children, Liu Zimo did not look down on Qin Feng for living by scavenging. During her free time, she often sought to play with the Qin siblings, making her their only friend.

At this moment, everyone in the courtyard also saw clearly that a boy about twelve or thirteen years old jumped out and shouted, "Qin Feng, why did you come here to play? Hurry up and kneel down to apologize to Master Grandpa!"

In his younger days, when Old Master Liu traveled the world with his master, he once encountered a close friend of his master. This individual was exceptionally learned and skilled in divination, and he had imparted some knowledge of physiognomy to Liu Yun Jiao.

It is important to understand that Old Master Liu has come through the tumultuous years of gunfire and chaos. The number of people who have died at his hands is likely beyond his own count. Moreover, in the martial world before liberation, practitioners were known for their bravery and ferocity, often resorting to life-and-death confrontations over minor disagreements. How could it possibly resemble what Father described as hetushu . comcom?

Liu Jiacheng had practiced Baji Quan for a lifetime and could immediately see the sheen in Qin Feng's eyes, which clearly indicated the manifestation of internal strength. He couldn't help but marvel inwardly, thinking that after secretly learning for four years, this young man had actually managed to cultivate internal strength. It seemed that this lad was indeed a martial arts prodigy.

Strongly arguing without reason

Liu Yunjiao's family has been steeped in literary tradition for generations. Due to his poor health from a young age, he was taught Mizongquan by the family servant Zhang Yaoting starting at the age of five, in hopes of strengthening his body

"You brat, shut your mouth. Do you really think you understand martial ethics?" Old Master Liu, with the fierce spirit of a tiger, cast a sweeping glance at his son, instantly frightening Liu Jiacheng into tightly closing his mouth.

At this point, Old Master Liu paused, his eyes filled with a sense of regret. Once a person has passed away, nothing remains. No matter how exceptional Qin Feng's talents may be, what difference does it make?

As soon as the old man spoke, a group of children immediately dispersed. However, a few boys who were not on good terms with Qin Feng displayed expressions of gloating as they left the courtyard.

Qin Feng, you are incredibly bold; do you dare to sneak a peek while we are practicing martial arts?

If the group of unruly children who just went out heard Liu Jiacheng's words, their jealousy towards Qin Feng would likely deepen even further

In the martial world, masters often conduct thorough assessments before accepting disciples. It is not the case that everyone is suited for martial arts; both aptitude and character are of utmost importance. Otherwise, one may never hope to achieve mastery in their lifetime

Old Master Liu sighed. The master who taught him the art of face reading back in the day did not dare to defy fate, and with his meager skills, even if he wished to help Qin Feng, it would be a case of wanting to help but being unable to do so.

After hearing his father's words, Liu Jiacheng couldn't help but roll his eyes. Although the art of face reading is not without merit and has its reasoning, it is rather hasty to abandon a good prospect based solely on this superficial assessment.

It is important to note that although they practice Baji Quan, what they have learned are merely some basic skills. To truly grasp the essence of Baji Quan, one must genuinely study under the Liu family brothers, which they unfortunately do not have the fortune to do.

Just as Liu Lao'er reached out to grab Qin Feng, the voice of Old Master Liu echoed in the courtyard, "That's enough practice for today, you all can disperse. Zimo, stay behind!"

It was not until the late 1980s, after the cross-strait relations had somewhat eased, that Liu Yunjiao returned to his hometown, where he settled down for a long time, preparing to return to his roots.

Dad, when did you learn to read faces? Can that thing really be trusted?

Although Qin Feng was precocious, he was still a child. Upon hearing Liu Jiacheng's words, a look of joy involuntarily appeared on his face. He knew that the Liu family's second son in front of him looked much like an old farmer, but his skills were among the best in the Changzhou area.

"This... this..." Liu Zimo was rendered speechless by his grandfather's words. He naturally knew what Qin Feng was here for; it was he who had helped dig out the hole in that wall.

What do you understand? Even if he does not have the appearance of an early demise, I still cannot take him as my disciple

"Second brother, stop it, little one, come in!"

With the ability to cultivate internal strength solely through clandestine learning, Qin Feng's talent is undoubtedly exceptional. Moreover, his unwavering dedication to secretly honing his skills in both scorching heat and biting cold for four consecutive years has deeply moved Liu Jiacheng, prompting him to consider taking on an apprentice.

Qin Feng knew that with Liu Jiacheng around, he could forget about escaping. Being single himself, he walked straight into the courtyard and said: "Grandpa Liu, I want to learn martial arts, but... but you haven't taught me, so... so I have been secretly learning it myself."

In the following decades, Liu Yunjiao utilized these techniques of physiognomy to assess individuals, and remarkably, he never made a mistake. Four years ago, he had already discerned Qin Feng's physiognomy, which is why he had turned him away at the door

Due to his family's affluence, at the age of eight, Liu Yunqiao's father invited the renowned Bajiquan master "Shen Qiang" Li Shuwen to their home to teach martial arts. Li Shuwen was strict and serious in his instruction, and Liu Yunqiao often sustained injuries as a result. However, this also laid a solid foundation for his profound skills in Bajiquan and Pihua Zhang.

The Liu Zimo who just spoke is indeed the child of Liu Yunjiao's third son, and he is also the youngest grandson. He was brought from Taiwan to the mainland and has been by his side all these years

Although Baji Quan is characterized by its fierce offensive techniques, it is nonetheless an authentic internal martial art. After several years of practice, internal energy will begin to develop in the lower dantian.

When Liu Yunjiao was 20 years old, his father originally wanted him to study law at Chaoyang University, but Liu Yunjiao took the tuition fees and followed Li Shuwen to roam around.

It was precisely for this reason that his second son, who remained at home, experienced significant turmoil during those ten years of upheaval

The elderly man sitting in the center of the courtyard is Liu Yunjiao, the closed-door disciple of the renowned marksman Li Shuwen. He is, in fact, a legendary figure in his own right

Later, when the Japanese army fully invaded China, Liu Yunjiao joined the military. Due to his bravery in battle and multiple injuries, he was promoted rapidly within the army. In 1949, he followed the remnants of the Kuomintang to Taiwan.

Jia Cheng, if it were possible to collect, wouldn't I have had you do it a few years ago?

Before Liu Zimo could speak to help Qin Feng, the old master Liu Yun in the courtyard suddenly said: "Zimo, a martial artist must have an open heart. Ask this child, is he really here just to play?"

"Dad, then why..." Liu Jiacheng was taken aback upon hearing this, looking at his father in confusion. He knew that his father had a very high standard and had never heard him give such a high evaluation of anyone before.