Chapter Seven, it is indeed very hot

On the third day, a flash of golden energy suddenly appeared on the wall in Zhang Tianliu's eyes, fleeting as it was. His half-closed pupils suddenly constricted, and a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth

At noon, in the Zhao family residence, Zhao Anxiao's expression changed unpredictably after listening to the steward's report

Zhang Tianliu extended two fingers, and Tang Jing, understanding the hint, tossed him a cigarette, then walked into the house with Hou Xiangshan

Hmm. Zhao Anxiao nodded, recounted the matter to Madam Zhao, and finally asked, "Mother, I am increasingly unable to understand this matter. Are they really the hawks and dogs? If not, daring to impersonate the hawks and dogs is a capital offense!"

Children enjoy imitating, especially when they see something interesting. However, trying to mimic Zhang Tianliu by tugging at their hair buns proves ineffective, resulting instead in them grimacing in pain and shedding tears.

As Tang Jingcheng approached Zhang Tianliu, before he could speak, he heard Zhang Tianliu say: "Don't be discouraged, you can do it."

Zhang Tianliu was also listening not far away, and Hou Xiangshan did not drive him out of the backyard. In the practice of martial arts, merely listening without practicing results in emptiness. Hou Xiangshan was not worried about him stealing techniques; to truly master sword-fist, one must pay attention to the cultivation of qi. A sword-fist practiced without the accompanying techniques of qi cultivation is merely an ordinary fist, possessing only the form without the essence.

"Jing Cheng, come here for a moment. Tian Liu, you don't need to follow. Help me keep an eye on these children and make sure they don't cause any trouble." Hou Xiangshan was clearly about to convey a method for cultivating vital energy, and he could not let Zhang Tianliu hear it

For two consecutive days, Tang Jingcheng has been practicing breathing exercises, while Zhang Tianliu has been sitting outside the entire time

Brother Tianliu, why did you lock the two silver bracelets with a chain? Doesn't it cause any inconvenience?

The short-haired boy with a silver chain bracelet is a characteristic of Zhang Tianliu. Why did he suddenly reappear after disappearing for three days? Zhao Anxiao found it somewhat difficult to understand

Passersby also turned their heads in curiosity, and among them, several young ladies could not help but giggle softly.

Madam Zhao seemed to be in a good mood, with a smile on her lips as she said: "They never said they were."

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhao Anxiao trembled all over, yet there was no trace of fear in her eyes; instead, they were filled with excitement!

A few children gathered around, chattering and asking questions

Hou Xiangshan's eldest son glanced over and asked curiously, "What energy?"

It is not to say that external martial arts are ineffective, but rather that the training is exceedingly arduous. Most practitioners switch to internal martial arts after three to five years of training. Achieving a level of mastery in external martial arts akin to that of Tang Jingcheng typically requires at least ten to twenty years of dedicated effort. Now, to go to a boxing gym and earnestly learn boxing, using the money sent by the Zhao family, is quite a spectacle

Tang Jingcheng remained unaffected by the playful antics of the children, listening intently.

The instigator is too ugly? Therefore, it is impossible for you to see clearly

In Zhao Anxiao's eyes, Tang Jingcheng is not a lackey, but rather a martial artist who has cultivated external skills, a type of person that has nearly become extinct

Then he grabbed his own hair bun, pulling down his full head of black hair like a hat, leaving the curious children staring in astonishment, surprised that such a thing could be removed

In the backyard of the Sword Fist Hall, Hou Xiangshan spoke eloquently, his words flowing like a torrential river.

Zhang Tianliu fanned himself with a wig, scratched his short hair, and after dispersing the heat, put it back on, then silently returned to the boxing gym

What should we do now? Zhao Anxiao was at a loss.

Listening to her mother, Zhao Anxiao also felt uneasy, her delicate brows furrowing as she said: "The son of Lu Taiyong must spend money at every step in the Imperial Academy, otherwise he will surely be marginalized. However, the Lu family has strict family rules, and accumulating wealth excessively will lead to punishment by family law. On the other hand, the gains from robbers are entirely different; the county magistrate will certainly withdraw. Our Zhao family is like fish on the chopping block!"

Before Zhao Anxiao could comprehend, Madam Zhao continued: "It is said that the term 'hawk and hound' is not a proper designation, but merely a habit of outsiders. If one were to call them 'hawk and hound' in front of them, it would surely result in a swift severing of the head. As for petty thieves, even ordinary officials can be considered 'hawk and hound.' If we were not guilty, how could we have fallen into their trap"

"Cultivate well, your own skills," Zhang Tianliu said as he passed by Tang Jingcheng and headed straight to the backyard

"You can't see it either?" Zhang Tianliu said with a bitter smile

My father's anger! Hou, the child, closed his eyes to feel it and curiously said: "No, there isn't."

In his eyes, a faint golden aura emanated from the wall of the library, with over thirty strands of golden energy swirling about. Under ordinary circumstances, Zhang Tianliu could not see it; it only manifested when Hou Xiangshan mobilized his true energy. Moreover, as long as they were not far apart, he could perceive the energy even through a wall.

Tang Jingcheng shook his head, then hurriedly returned to the room. He had previously sensed the energy but before he could activate the energy gate, he noticed through a small hole in the window that Zhang Tianliu had disappeared, which frightened him and made him rush out.

Zhang Tianliu remained motionless, leaning against the eaves and watching until Tang Jingcheng came out

Let it be and observe the changes; those who should transfer will continue to do so. Moreover, there is a more significant matter at hand. I have always felt that Lü Taiyong's visit is not simple; it seems he is somewhat reluctant to leave. It appears that his son has indeed entered the Imperial Academy. It is said that it is difficult for a fortune to enter the gates of the Imperial Academy, but how many truly understand that only upon entering does one realize the worth of a fortune is trivial

Zhang Tianliu patted Hou Zaizi's big head and replied with a smile: "Your father's temper"

"Mind your own business." Tang Jingcheng said coldly and walked straight past.

Throughout the entire day, Tang Jingcheng remained confined within his room, with meals being delivered by Hou Xiangshan. Aside from this, no one was allowed to approach the house.

Tang Jingcheng glanced at Zhang Tianliu without saying anything; his gaze was a warning sufficient in itself

Zhang Tianliu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry

Madam Zhao remarked indifferently: "As long as the Holy Capital does not intervene, matters in Luxi will be managed by Luxi. If they claim that the mountain bandits are related to the Zhao family, I can just as easily say they are connected to Lu Taiyong. Tonight, you should take the risk to meet Zhang Tianliu. I have always felt that his conversations with the Lu family's coachman are not casual. It would also be a good opportunity to test Tang Jingcheng's strength. If he truly is a hound, it mainly concerns the captain. With your abilities, if you cannot win, you should be able to retreat without issue, but do remain cautious!"

"Is there any news?" Madam Zhao walked out from the back hall

From the demeanor of Old Master Hou, Zhang Tianliu understood that although he could not see it with the naked eye, he could sense the presence of Qi, which should be related to his entry into enlightenment

What is that you have in your mouth, Brother Tianliu? Is it something to eat? Why is it smoking?

Thus, Zhang Tianliu felt quite frustrated; he wanted to see the true appearance of the instigator, yet what he was shown was the ability to perceive true energy. What does this even mean

Rising and stretching lazily, Zhang Tianliu left the backyard and entered the front hall, ignoring several children who were playing and had come into the hall. Zhang Tian walked straight through the hall and onto the street, frowning at the blazing sun and苦笑道: "It is truly hot today"

The realm of cultivation encompasses three major stages: Awakening, Returning to the True, and Responding to Heaven. Each stage can be said to be all-encompassing and rich in transformation. There are martial artists who can lift mountains, scholars whose aspirations soar to the skies, chefs who can conquer the eight directions, and sages who seize the creations of heaven and earth, stepping into the realm of immortality. Whether it is the Great Way or the Lesser Way, in the beginning of learning, there is no distinction of high or low, no division of noble or humble. Under the awakening, there are various martial arts; there was once a division between internal and external practices, but now it is common for practitioners to cultivate both. Only in the military is there a proficiency in tempering the physical body, refining external skills to the utmost. My sword-fist is a martial art that cultivates both internal and external aspects; when the energy and form unite, the fist's wind is like a sword, unmatched in power. Do not be deceived by those who can master beast fist techniques in three years; they are merely superficial. Although the beast fist is fierce, its strength is insufficient. Consider the fierce tiger pouncing on its prey; it is but a moment. If one cannot defeat the enemy in a single strike, there will inevitably be flaws exposed. Humans are not beasts; they will certainly retaliate. Therefore, the fewer flaws a master exposes in combat, the greater their chances of victory.

Having finished speaking, Zhang Tianliu consciously stood up and followed suit

Let us conclude for today; there is no need for you to rush. At your age, it is quite difficult to cultivate one's internal energy, and some may go their entire lives without ever experiencing it. However, your patience is commendable, as few possess the composure you exhibit. Additionally, your innate talent is exceptional, with at least twenty years of foundational external training, which is rare. As long as you calm your mind and follow my methods for regulating your breath, you will surely be able to open your energy gates in just a few days. Oh, and do ensure you get adequate rest at night; do not attempt to cultivate energy on your own. It is essential to adjust your mental state to its optimal condition to easily perceive the energy.

Tang Jingcheng said gloomily: "If there is a next time, the sentence will be increased by one year"

Zhang Tianliu leaned against the eaves, holding a cigarette and silently gazing at the house.

Zhang Tianliu smiled and said, "Do you see that mass of energy inside the room?"

As soon as he entered the hall, he saw Tang Jingcheng rushing out quickly, while Zhang Tianliu spoke up first: "Don't panic, I haven't escaped from prison"