Chapter 7, the body like a dragon, the spear like a python

Lu Xiong is unclear about what is happening, yet that does not prevent him from saying a few more words

Uncle Seventeen has gone to the training ground, what does Lord Wang want with Uncle Seventeen? Xu Huai stared at Wang Bingzu's grandson in confusion, but did not see the figure of the "coachman".

What is going on here

At the Eagle's Mouth, Xu Huai saw Lu Xiong placing a straight-backed long knife across his knees, but he did not expect that he also carried a long spear with him. He speculated that the situation was urgent at that time, and he did not have time to retrieve the long spear hidden in the carriage.

Lu Xiong had many questions in his heart and said: "The concealment method of the Fumang Spear is contained within the foundational stances of the boxing techniques, which you should have practiced. However, I see that your posture is stiff, and it seems you have practiced incorrectly—it's getting late now, but if you can come over at night, I will explain it to you in detail..."

The old man originally planned to borrow the route from Cai Ying, passing through Fangchengkou to Tangzhou. However, Lu Xiong, concerned about potential dangers, temporarily changed the route to Tongbai Mountain. Otherwise, we might not have even reached Yingzhou before being intercepted by assassins

Xu Huai observed for a while and soon realized that the spear technique used by Lu Xiong was precisely the Hidden Python Spear, a style commonly practiced by the Xu clan members

Xu Huai, who is looking for me

He heard Xu Wujiang mention that the techniques of the hidden python spear, along with the sword techniques and fist styles practiced by his clansmen, were all brought back from the military by his father Xu Wuxuan and others in their early years and spread in the Tongbai Mountains

... ...

Su Di finished speaking and then took the girl Wang Xuan to the backyard

Of course, he also does not believe that Xu Wujiang, Xu Xinan, and others find it necessary to deceive.

Ah, it is Lord Wang! Su Di straightened her posture and inquired, "May I ask what the young lady wishes to instruct Di Niang?"

At this moment, he was even more curious to know who the "big brother" that Xu Huai mentioned at the Eagle's Mouth Cliff was. He fixed his gaze on Xu Huai and asked, "It seems that Xu Jieji was not aware in advance that I would encounter an assassin on my way?"

This type of gun seems to be frequently used by Uncle Seventeen and the others. I am clumsy and cannot handle it well

He can discern Lu Xiong's mastery of the Fumang Gun, which is in fact more profound than that of Uncle Seventeen and the others. Although Lu Xiong appears to be sluggish in movement, he conceals an unimaginable strength within. Once unleashed, it will inevitably unleash a force akin to a landslide or tsunami, shattering the defenses of his enemies before him and claiming their lives.

Even without the encounter at Eagle's Mouth Cliff, Wang Bing would find it hard to believe at this moment that Xu Huai would be regarded as a "fool" by Xu Wujiang, Xu Xinan, and others

Seeing Lu Xiong also wielding this kind of gun, Xu Huai thought to himself, had he ever served in the military

"Is Madam Xu available?" Wang asked.

Alright, Xu Huai thought that since he was caught up in such a dispute today, it would not be unfair to gain some benefits from it. He decided to come over after midnight to listen to Lu Xiong explain the Fumang Zhuang skill. He passed the earthen jar over the low wall and said, "This is the chicken soup that Aunt Seventeen stewed for Miss Wang Xuan"

The Hedong Street market has an inn, and the post station is usually quite deserted, as there are rarely any officials passing through.

Di Niang walked over from the backyard. She had never seen Wang Bing before, hesitatingly glanced at both Wang Bing and his grandfather, and asked

Wang Bing does not wish to implicate too many innocent people, but as long as there is some hope, he cannot remain idle.

Lu Xiong explained in a straightforward manner: "On the battlefield, one faces hundreds or thousands of enemies, and there is little room to unleash complex gun techniques. If one does not conceal oneself, even with the power of a true dragon, how long can one endure? Therefore, within the limited space for maneuvering, the essence of the Fumang Gun is to efficiently and effectively slay the enemy with minimal effort. The Fumang Gun emphasizes the character '伏' (fu), which can be broken down into '人' (ren, meaning person) and '犬' (quan, meaning dog). Essentially, it means that a person should crawl on the ground like a dog, waiting for the right moment to act; it fundamentally embodies 'concealment' and 'hiding,' rather than 'subduing.' The Fumang Knife, Fumang Gun, and Fumang Fist all originate from the same source, and the principles are interconnected. I see you standing at the edge of the Eagle's Mouth Cliff holding a machete; you must have learned the Fumang Knife, right?"

Xu Wujiang suspected that the encounter with the bandits was not simple, and he would not seek trouble by probing into the matter. Instead, he stood in the front yard and chatted with Wang Binghan. After a moment, Diniang led Wang Xuan, whose jade-like face was flushed with embarrassment, out from the inner room.

Looking again at Lu Xiong's careful steps on the ground, his pace was slow and small, with thorns sticking upright in the ground, and a moment's inattention could easily result in a prick to the sole of his foot

Wang Bing observed that Xu Huai's eyes were exceptionally clear, confirming that the numerous events of today were not mere illusions, and he spoke softly:

Xu Huai was squatting under the corridor in the front yard, acting foolishly. Hearing a sound, he looked up to see the courtyard door being pushed open from the outside. To his surprise, he saw Wang Bing, with frosty white hair at his temples and a gaunt face, along with his somewhat shy and uneasy granddaughter Wang Xuan, peering in.

Xu Huaileng stood there in a daze, unable to comprehend the meaning of Wang Bing suddenly running over.

After reaching the age of sixty, Wang Bingnian's body could not help but become somewhat stooped. In recent years, he has become increasingly thin, which makes him appear small and further accentuates Xu Huai's robust physique

Ah? Xu Huai looked at Wang Bing in surprise, thinking that the precautions between men and women in the world are not particularly strict, but it seems rather inappropriate for an old man like you to suddenly come to find Su Di

"Old Wang respectfully greets Madam Xu," Wang Bing said with a slight bow, then turned to the girl behind him and said, "Xuan'er, you speak to Madam Xu yourself."

The Fumang Spear has been unveiled, yet it does not possess particularly exquisite elements. As a military formation weapon, it emphasizes not only ferocity but also primarily the concept of 'concealment'.

... ...

Wang Bing's statement suggests that he speculates the assassin should have set off from Bianjing in pursuit; had it not been for the earlier misdirection, it would have been impossible for the chase to have been delayed until Huaiyuan Town

Wang Xuanmei walked in with a small face that looked as if she were drunk, and as she passed by Xu Huai, she seemed to want to bury her head in her own chest, leaving Xu Huai even more perplexed.

Xu Huai thought of the feeling he had when he first saw Lu Xiong at Eagle's Mouth; at this moment, it was even more vivid and clear. The long spear in Lu Xiong's hand resembled a venomous python hidden deep in the grass, appearing only sluggish because there were no formidable opponents standing before him

At this time, the weather is cold, and everyone is still wearing thick coats, yet Xu Huai gives the impression of muscular arms, though his face is fair and handsome

Then congratulations to Lord Wang. It is always a matter worth celebrating when a young girl comes of age, Xu Wujiang said as he bowed to Wang Bing.

"It is no trouble, Brother Xu—Xuan'er has grown up, and I, being old, am caught off guard, so I can only come to seek assistance from your esteemed wife." Wang Bing said, cupping his hands in salute.

Xu Wujiang wanted to learn from Deng Gui to avoid Wang Bing's master and servant. Xu Huai was naturally also hiding in the courtyard in the afternoon, pondering over matters.

Wang Xuan was still clutching a small silk handkerchief bundle in her hand, unaware of what women's items it contained. She lacked the courage to look up at Xu Huai and Xu Wujiang, and, gripping her grandfather Wang Bing's sleeve, she fled as if in escape.

This is the true Viper Gun

From this discussion, Xu Huai realized that Lu Xiong's mastery of the hidden python technique was superior to that of his uncle Xu Wujiang and the others. Without any hesitation, he directly asked, "May I ask, Master Lu, how can one begin to practice the method of concealment?"

At this moment, Xu Huai approached with a ceramic jar in hand, and Lu Xiong spoke from across the low wall: "My journey has been guided by the Fumang spear, emphasizing a body like a dragon and a spear like a python, which is the customary technique of the military. Brother Xu, you have practiced this as well, haven't you?"

... ...

Lord Wang, do you have business with Xu?

Upon further observation, Xu Huai discerned that the ambush python gun in Lu Xiong's hand was indeed different from those used by Uncle Seventeen and his companions

After regaining his senses, he would certainly not want to continue living in Huaiyuan Town as a fool in the eyes of Xu Xinian and others, merely waiting for death. However, in this world, where could he go and what could he do?

Xu Huai had previously focused on martial arts training primarily aimed at building strength and toughening the muscles and bones, without delving into complex boxing techniques or weapon forms. His skills in mounted archery were also quite average. However, after his mental faculties were restored, his vision became remarkably different from before, as if he had gained new insights from books.

"Is Xu Jieji available at the residence?" Wang Bing asked.

However, as the path of the gun changes, Lu Xiong's slightly hunched figure swells and contracts like the ebb and flow of the tides

Uncle Seventeen, however, was unaware of the situation. Xu Huai observed the many doubts in Wang Bing's eyes and merely said in a low voice, "I am also acting on someone else's behalf, just keeping watch at Eagle's Mouth these past few days to remind Lord Wang, but I did not expect the assassin to arrive so soon..."

The outermost wall of the post station is quite tall, while the partition walls between the inner courtyards are chest-high rammed earth walls. Xu Huai bypassed the post station's official building and from a distance saw the "coachman" Lu Xiong skillfully wielding a long spear.

As dusk approached, Xu Xinan finally returned from the market on Hedong Street, having inquired about several caravans that would transport goods to Biyang County tomorrow, with whom he had already made arrangements to travel.

I will go and deliver it. Xu Xinan felt a strong desire to take on this task.

The clay pot was filled with steaming chicken soup, the bottom of the pot already charred. Tied with a grass rope into a bundle, Xu Huai held it in his hand as he walked towards the inn

Xu Huai was also unsure of what to do next, and said: "If there is any new information, I will go find Old Master Wang."

At this time, it was unclear where the stationmaster Cheng Yi and several couriers had gone, as no one could be seen in the front courtyard of the public office. Xu Huai went straight to find Wang Bing

Xu Wujiang slapped him on the back of the head and scolded, "You foolish donkey, why don't you take a look at yourself in the mirror? Let Xu Huai go deliver it, and you just stay put!" He then said to Diniang, "You should be concerned about finding wives for these two young lads. If we wait until they learn from Xu Sihu and start running to the Yuerhong Building with a bit of dirty money, should I break their legs or break their legs?"

Xu Huai then realized what was going on, and could only chuckle awkwardly to ease the embarrassment

In the past month or so, Xu Huai has also realized that his previous approach to martial arts was too superficial and that he had strayed somewhat from the right path. However, the principles and theories of martial arts are not something he can fully comprehend through his own contemplation alone

In addition to Wang Bingwu having met Xu Huai in the afternoon, Lu Xiong also does not believe that Xu Huai is a fool, yet Xu Huai's movements appear somewhat stiff, as if he has strayed from the path of martial arts.

Concealment

Xu Wujiang received word that Wang Bing had come to visit. At that moment, he hurried back from the training ground and saw Wang Bing standing in the front yard with Xu Huai. He asked Xu Huai

Xuan'er is not yet thirteen years old, yet she has already grown into an adult—this old man is caught off guard, and there are no young female relatives at the post station, so I can only come to seek help from Madam Xu... Wang Bing stood in the courtyard, explaining to Xu Huai.

Deep within, there was a faint impulse urging him not to remain an outsider, yet reason told him that getting involved in such matters would bring no benefits. At this moment, Xu Huai stood before Wang Bing and could only speak ambiguously.

Why are you calling Lord Wang to stand in the courtyard

Xu Huai returned to the residence with Xu Wujiang and Xu Xinan. Di Niang presented a ceramic urn and said to him: "I just made some chicken soup, take it to the young lady of the Wang family to eat"

Compared to the incident of Wang Bing being assassinated, what truly shook his inner self was that brief passage of text, reminiscent of historical records, which suddenly flashed in his mind and was unexpectedly validated today before the Eagle's Mouth Cliff.

"You foolish one, with such sharp ears, why don't you go become a thief?" Su Di glared at him and urged, "Get lost, get lost, this is none of your business; you stay in the front yard with Old Wang!"

Squeak!

Who is this old gentleman

When Lu Xiong wielded his spear, his gaze was lofty, yet a portion of his attention remained fixed on the moving tip of the spear. Each thrust, sweep, and jab of the long spear did not flow as smoothly as that of Uncle Seventeen and the others; it appeared particularly clumsy, yet it possessed a specific rhythm

Wang Xuan walked to the corridor and whispered a few words to Su Di, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. Xu Huai vaguely heard the words "there is blood," and was startled, quickly asking, "Miss Wang, are you injured?"

Lu Xiong had long noticed Xu Huai, but he only stopped after using this set of hidden python guns.