Chapter 7: The Inherently Suspicious Master of the Eastern Factory

Although Qin Zhiyong's punches and kicks were not forceful, his movements were coordinated and harmonious, and his actions were barely standard. Coupled with his concentration, a set of Taizu Changquan truly allowed him to display a certain charm

... ...

Jia Ting's brows furrowed slightly

Qin Zhiyong established his aspirations in his heart, his mind became resolute, and he slept more soundly, which led to the illusion of becoming younger.

The atmosphere of the inn was somewhat off, causing Qin Zhiyong to feel a sense of alarm, as if the slightest sound could signal danger.

The jade-inlaid gold shop is a black market. However, there are still some individuals whom she cannot afford to provoke

Every time Qin Zhiyong reads "The Great Learning," he gains some insights. This makes Qin Zhiyong find it exceedingly enjoyable

Both wisdom and strength must be possessed

If Qin Zhiyong is truly an exceptional master, with martial arts that have returned to their essence, we might indeed encounter trouble said Jia Ting with a serious tone At midnight, I will probe into Qin Zhiyong's true capabilities

The world of martial arts is vast, and there may indeed be strong practitioners who have cultivated their skills to the point of returning to simplicity. When navigating this realm, one must be cautious, as a careful approach can ensure longevity. No matter how prudent one is, it is never excessive.

Qin Zhiyong returned to the kitchen carrying an empty water jug

Jia Ting thought to himself, could it be that he truly misjudged the situation, and that Qin Zhiyong is an exceptionally skilled master who conceals his abilities?

After reading the book once, it became dark

Qin Zhiyong said: "Madam Boss, Shopkeeper, the matters are taken care of. If there are no other issues, I will return to my room now"

However, this sleep was truly comfortable

Qin Zhiyong opened the door and asked, "Madam Boss, what brings you here?"

Jin Xiangyu looked at Qin Zhiyong in surprise

Jin Xiangyu is a top-tier expert with keen eyesight, and immediately noticed the subtle changes in Qin Zhiyong's demeanor

Cao Tian nodded and said, "I do not believe it either"

Qin Zhiyong slept very soundly, unaware of the passage of time

Qin Zhiyong opened his eyes quickly, sat up, and took the bone-cutting knife in his hand: "Who is it?"

Jia Ting could certainly see at a glance the change in Qin Zhiyong's mental state

Had dinner

Bang bang bang

At this moment, Qin Zhiyong feels invigorated and full of energy, as if he has become ten years younger, returning to his youth.

Having set a determination and established a goal, Qin Zhiyong's spirit and temperament have become somewhat different compared to before

This practice lasted for more than two hours

Jin Xiangyu said: "Go to the kitchen and have dinner"

Qin Zhiyong carried a large water kettle to deliver hot water to the guests. The first room he knocked on was the one occupied by the three heads of the Eastern Factory.

"Ordinary people, when faced with us, even if they do not know our identities, would likely be so frightened that they tremble and cannot speak," Lu Xiaochuan said. "But this kid Qin Zhiyong, even with a knife to his throat, shows no fear. A scholar? Hmph, I absolutely do not believe he is merely a pure scholar"

Reviewing the old to understand the new, it is nothing more than this

Jia Ting quietly stood outside the door, peering through the crack, observing Qin Zhiyong's demeanor and movements as he practiced his boxing with clarity.

The hot water has been delivered to Qiu Mo Yan and the others

Because fear is meaningless, it may even worsen the situation

Not only did Jin Xiangyu and Qin Zhiyong feel that the atmosphere in the inn was off, but the members of the Eastern Depot and Qiu Moyan, as the parties involved, also sensed the oppression.

Qin Zhiyong lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and began to meditate. He wished to enter a state of deep concentration as soon as possible

Qin Zhiyong exited the room and closed the door behind them

The setting sun has painted half the sky red

When Qin Zhiyong added hot water for them, his demeanor was respectful, his movements slow yet steady. Once the hot water was added, Qin Zhiyong said: "Gentlemen, after soaking your feet, please rest early. If you need anything else, feel free to call for me at any time"

"You really can sleep," Jin Xiangyu leaned against the door frame, looking quite relaxed. "You've been sleeping since morning, and the sun is about to set. Aren't you going to have dinner?"

It was only after Qin Zhiyong fell asleep that Jia Ting was able to leave

Qin Zhiyong practiced boxing, his mind still unsettled, but his level of concentration had improved significantly compared to before. At the very least, he was able to sense his own body while practicing. His hand and foot coordination was relatively harmonious.

Qin Zhiyong's mind relaxed, it turned out to be the boss's wife

Qin Zhiyong took a deep breath, disregarding the knife at his neck, and said in a gentle tone: "Esteemed guests, I have come to bring you hot water. You have been traveling and it has been arduous; before you sleep, soaking your feet in hot water can invigorate your blood circulation and alleviate fatigue"

It is still better to be down-to-earth

Jin Xiangyu knew that Qin Zhiyong was going to read, and nodded: "You may go."

Jin Xiangyu said irritably: "What kind of commotion do you want? Do you want them to fight and destroy my inn before you are satisfied? It is best if they remain quiet. I hope they stay for two days and then leave. If I can't provoke them, can I not avoid them?"

Qin Zhiyong said, "Strange, why is there not a single sound?"

Qin Zhiyong followed Jin Xiangyu to the kitchen

Jin Xiangyu nodded and said, "That's fine. However, you still need to be cautious."

Jia Ting said: "Cao Tian, put away the knife. Qin Zhiyong is a scholar and does not understand martial arts; you must not frighten him."

The voice of the one adorned with gold and jade came through: "It is I."

However, practicing martial arts can enhance one's strength

It is evident that Qin Zhiyong has truly devoted himself to his studies. Furthermore, he is moving closer to the concept of "unity of knowledge and action"

At the slightest sign of disturbance, one will draw their sword

A book, when read ten times, yields ten insights; when read one hundred times, it provides one hundred benefits

In fact, it refers to the harmony and coordination of the body

One must not entertain frivolous thoughts

After finishing the diary, the bone knife was placed beside the pillow. Qin Zhiyong lay on the bed, feeling physically and mentally exhausted, and soon fell asleep

Lu Xiaochuan's thoughts were gloomy, and he tended to think the worst of every situation. Due to his personality, his secret weapon was the silver needle, a concealed weapon that could kill invisibly, making it difficult for others to defend against.

Lu Xiaochuan stared at Qin Zhiyong in silence. It was unclear what he was thinking.

Qin Zhiyong said: "Madam Boss, let me handle it. After all, I have interacted with them once before. I will go and deliver the hot water; there should not be any issues."

The shopkeeper shook his head and said: "They haven't left. They have all returned to their rooms"

Qin Zhiyong came to his senses; it was already midnight

Qin Zhiyong said: "Understood. They all live on the second floor"

The Confucian text "The Great Learning", the fundamental principles of internal martial arts, and the key movements of the Taizu Changquan have all been thoroughly memorized by Qin Zhiyong. However, he still picked up the book and read it silently once more

A slight disturbance causes anxiety

It is certainly impossible

A knock on the door sounded

Jin Xiangyu said: "Diao Buyu, please bring some hot water to the guests shortly."

Qin Zhiyong was taken aback. Had he slept for a long time? Why did he only feel like he had dozed off for a short while?

returning to youth

Before danger arrives, there is fear and apprehension in the heart. However, when truly confronted with death, it seems that the fear diminishes, and one becomes rather composed.

The mental state of Qin Zhiyong has changed significantly compared to the morning. This change in mental state and temperament is difficult for ordinary people to detect. However, Jia Ting is not an ordinary person; his insight and martial skills are even superior to those of Jin Xiangyu.

Qin Zhiyong said: "I will try to make my tone and actions a bit more gentle, so as not to cause any misunderstandings. By the way, which room number are they staying in?"

Qin Zhiyong puts the books away properly. He has now learned to cherish books and value paper. Before writing, one must have a clear idea in mind and know what one intends to write. This practice can cultivate one's character

When practicing martial arts, one should be free of murderous intent. It is most suitable for health to use intention rather than force

... ...

The innkeeper said: "Room 3, Room 7, Room 11, and Room 13."

The three leaders of the Eastern Factory do not appear to be good people at first glance, and they possess formidable martial arts skills, making them quite difficult to deal with. If a confrontation were to occur, Jin Xiangyu would not stand a chance.

Looking out the window

Cao Tian glanced at Qin Zhiyong, sheathed his sword, and said: "I did not see any fear in his eyes. Don't scholars fear death? I have seen many scholars, and they are all cowards who cling to life. Young man, you are quite remarkable"

"Have I been practicing martial arts for such a long time? It is already midnight." Qin Zhiyong glanced at the moon outside the window and thought to himself, "But I don't feel tired at all; on the contrary, I feel full of energy."

The skin on Qin Zhiyong's neck sensed the sharpness of the blade. As long as Cao Tian exerted even a little force, Qin Zhiyong would meet his end.

The human psychological state is truly remarkable

Qin Zhiyong's punches and kicks are very light, without much force. As a beginner, his goal is to ensure that his movements are standard. Each punch and kick must meet the requirements outlined in the martial arts manual.

As for the force and speed of his punches, these are not issues he is currently considering

The Classic of Boxing states: the shoulders and hips are in harmony, the elbows and knees are in harmony, the hands and feet are in harmony

Lu Xiaochuan asked, "How is it? Is Qin Zhiyong a master?"

Return to the room

In the world, one lacks a sense of security. It is inevitable to be startled and alarmed.

Do not blame them

In undertaking any endeavor, it is essential to proceed step by step, gradually. One must not be driven by a desire for immediate results. To expect to enhance one's skills significantly within three to five days and become an unparalleled master is not martial arts; it is a myth.

Qin Zhiyong is still unaware that his current state of practicing martial arts is, in fact, the correct one

The shopkeeper, Diao Buyu, and the shop assistant are all ready to eat

Jia Ting shook his head and said, "Perhaps we were overly suspicious. Qin Zhiyong is indeed practicing boxing in the room. However, he truly does not understand internal martial arts. A set of Taizu Changquan was executed by him in a feeble manner, lacking any strength. Hmph, merely flowery fists and embroidered legs"

Qin Zhiyong is quite different from other scholars, and given that this is an inn in the vast Gobi Desert, it is not surprising that the Eastern Depot suspects his true identity

However, there is indeed no trace of any martial arts training on Qin Zhiyong's body

His heart is not at peace. Qin Zhiyong knows that it is wrong, but there is nothing he can do. His state of mind has not yet reached a state of "calmness." He aspires to remain unperturbed by honor or disgrace, to remain unchanged even when faced with the weight of Mount Tai, but he simply cannot achieve it

Very rare

Practicing martial arts is an important task for Qin Zhiyong

As soon as the sound of knocking echoed, Cao Tian swiftly drew his knife and opened the door. Before Qin Zhiyong could react, the blade was already pressed against his neck

Reading can cultivate one's character, compensate for deficiencies in personality, and transform a person into a refined gentleman akin to jade

As Qin Zhiyong passed through the hall, it was completely empty. He inquired, "Where are the guests? Have they already left?"