Chapter 10: Capturing the Criminal

Soul fusion, for Zhang Fang, is a tremendous adventure, one could even say it is a gamble with his life. In retrospect, Zhang Fang cannot help but feel a wave of fear. Had the fusion failed that day, there would have been only two outcomes: either he would be 'killed' or his mind would split into two souls, ultimately leading to schizophrenia.

A wave! The surface of the clear pond breaks open, revealing a wet and enviable face that makes even women jealous, then the entire body lies back on the water's surface, arms and legs outstretched, forming a "big" character, floating with the waves.

Zhang Fang has formulated a morning and evening fitness plan: In the morning, he will wake up and jog 2,000 meters at a slow pace, followed by bodyweight mountain climbing. After returning and having breakfast, he will rest for two hours. Then, the second set of exercises includes 50 push-ups, 50 pull-ups, 50 abdominal exercises, 50 squats, and 50 burpees. After completing each exercise, he will rest for half an hour before proceeding to the next one. As the training progresses, he will gradually increase the intensity based on his body's adaptation, even incorporating weighted exercises.

On the other side, Han Jun was joyfully testing a recently acquired horn bow and four iron-tipped arrows. It was evident that the two assassins coordinated their efforts, with one using the bow for long-range shots and the other engaging in close combat. It was estimated that the distance from the forest to the pond was too far, exceeding 30 zhang (Han zhang, approximately over 60 meters), making it difficult for untrained archers to hit their target with a single shot, which is why they resorted to close-range assassination.

Han is merely a simple village boy, how can he withstand this desperate outlaw? Holding a sharp blade, he is instead forced back repeatedly by the assassin pressing against his neck, leaving him in a state of confusion and unable to advance or retreat

In a single sentence, it strikes at the heart of the matter for many. Indeed, the people of Qingxi are all honest and straightforward commoners; they may slaughter dogs and sheep, and killing in self-defense can be deemed as a last resort, but to bind a person and then kill them... they truly do not have the courage for that; reporting to the authorities? Altogether, three people have already died; whether it is justifiable self-defense or negligent homicide, in any case, there is no way to absolve themselves. If they really report to the authorities, their own troubles will not be any less than those of the assassin. Altogether, three people have already died; whether it is justifiable self-defense or negligent homicide, in any case, there is no way to absolve themselves. If they really report to the authorities, their own troubles will not be any less than those of the assassin.

Perhaps it is a form of compensation after suffering and hardship—now, Zhang Fang is full of vitality and energy every day, as if he possesses boundless energy. He now only needs to sleep for two hours each day, and if he lingers in bed (in fact, such a hard bed would not inspire any desire to stay in bed), he becomes so excited that he cannot fall asleep—indeed, it seems to confirm the saying, "Ever since I developed a mental illness, I have been more spirited every day."

The fitness plan is merely a preliminary step to enhance one's sense of security, and Zhang must further practice combat skills, with himself as the teacher. In his previous life, he was assigned to a psychiatric hospital, and due to the frequent occurrence of medical disputes and the unique environment of working in publishing, he had learned self-defense techniques, primarily focusing on control-based joint locks and ground control techniques such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In terms of combat, he is not lacking in skills; what he lacks is how to perfectly integrate those skills with his body. This requires extensive training to internalize various techniques so that they become instinctive, preventing the situation of "having the will but lacking the strength".

Swimming for one hour after dusk is greatly beneficial for enhancing lung capacity and improving physical fitness

Zhang Fang, who appeared to be dozing in the clear pond, lazily stretched and, with a wave of his hands, climbed ashore, wet and dripping. While wiping his body with his clothes, he smiled and said: "Thank you, Brother Han, Shiniu, and also A She and Yao Lang"

Han Chongzheng pressed the ring-headed knife, which he had seized from the assassin, against the throat of the thief who had attempted to stab the young lord. He made a fierce and menacing face, roaring fiercely: "Speak! Why have you repeatedly attempted to assassinate the young lord? How many of you are there? Who is your leader?"

Summer water play is indeed a delightful and enjoyable pastime. However, what Zhang Fang is doing is not merely a simple leisure activity; it is part of his fitness regimen.

The origin of the name Qingxi comes from the waterfall upstream that cascades down a hundred feet, flowing into a deep pool to form the stream. The water in the pool is a deep azure, reaching depths of several fathoms, with the rushing springs and waterfalls resonating throughout the valley

Zhang Fang in the clear pond floats quietly on the water's surface, eyes closed and motionless, seemingly truly asleep. On the creek bank, clothes are haphazardly piled up, with the most striking being the rhinoceros leather sheath pressing down on the garments, adorned with a jeweled longsword.

But as soon as the sword was drawn from its sheath, something felt amiss; it was too light, and there was no distinctive metallic scraping sound. The person looked down and was horrified to see—this was actually a wooden sword

The assassin tilted his coarse, dark face, a tuft of black hair on his right cheek particularly striking, and chuckled, "What can you do if I don't speak, my lord? Kill me? Or report to the authorities?"

Suddenly, a chill ran down my neck, a penetrating coldness seeping from my neck and spreading throughout my body. A cold, mocking voice sounded from behind me: "Are you looking for this sword?"

Seeing the pleading gaze of the Han brothers, Zhang Fang, fully equipped, sheathed his sword at his waist and said calmly, "Bury them."

Climbing a mountain can leave a person nearly exhausted, and the state of one's physical fitness is truly frustrating. Not to mention that one is currently being watched closely by a group of ruthless thugs, with danger lurking at every turn, as if a sharp blade is at one's back, and one's life is always at risk of "going south." Although the Han brothers provide protection, one cannot always rely on others; life belongs to oneself and must be grasped firmly in one's own hands— the assassination attempt that night serves as the best example.

To kill or not to kill, to let go or not to let go, what should be done? The Han brothers and Shiniu were at a loss.

Come on! Show me what you've got! If I let out even half a sound, it means I'm raised by a little girl!" The assassin struggled fiercely, glaring with anger, "I've spent a full three years in that slaughterhouse in the salt pit, enduring whips and having my flesh cut has long been a daily routine. Just look at your methods, how do they compare to those of the guards!

Life in the small mountain village is monotonous, with so little sleep each day and an abundance of energy, leading Zhang Fang to spend most of his time exercising. After exhausting himself, he comfortably soaks in the cool, clear water, closes his eyes, listens to the rushing sound of the waterfall, inhales the pure air filled with negative ions, and lets the water flow "massage" his entire body—what a refreshing sensation!

In the jungle by the shore, a figure quietly emerged, slithering like a snake and darting like a mouse, now fast, now slow, gradually making its way to the large rock behind a pile of clothes. With a cautious hand, it suddenly seized the scabbard, gripping it tightly, as two fierce, gleaming eyes fixed menacingly on the young boy in the water, who was blissfully unaware of the impending danger.

The foundation of this body is actually quite strong: good nutrition, robust health, sturdy bones, and ample muscles. The only thing lacking is exercise. As long as this aspect can keep up, the physical quality will surely see significant improvement

With the assistance of his two brothers, Han Yi bound the sword thief, returned the sword to its sheath, and respectfully presented it, saying: "It is entirely thanks to the young lord's brilliant plan that we merely acted according to orders, which is nothing worth mentioning."

Strengthening the body has never been an easy or pleasant task. Completing the training regimen every day leaves Zhang Fang with a feeling of exhaustion akin to death. What sustains him, in addition to his strong will, is an extraordinary vitality.

Han Chong, in a fit of rage, thrust the tip of his knife, piercing the assassin's neck muscle, and immediately blood flowed profusely. He angrily declared, "If you do not speak, I will stab you ten or eight times..."

The two assassins exchanged a glance, bursting into a hearty laugh, appearing quite pleased with themselves, showing no awareness of being captives

Suddenly, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, his body swiftly bent, he drew his sword from its sheath, and was ready to take action

Why is this the case? Even with Zhang Fang's expertise, it is difficult to find a reasonable explanation. If one must provide a plausible reason, it can only be attributed to the multiplication of the soul. In a certain sense, the soul can also be regarded as a form of spiritual power. When a person possesses a mental strength far beyond that of ordinary individuals, what they are capable of achieving may far exceed their imagination

Almost simultaneously, a sudden roar of angry shouts and fighting sounds erupted from the forest. Shortly after, Shi Niu, along with Han Jun and Han Chong, emerged from the woods, escorting a man with half of his face stained with blood, his hands bound behind his back.

Fortunately, he succeeded, and success always brings unexpected rewards

However, before that, it is essential to comprehensively enhance physical fitness and establish a solid foundation. Having a strong physique is always beneficial; to put it bluntly, in the event of danger, being able to escape quickly is certainly an advantage over others