New Year's Eve

"who is he?"

"I don't know, it seems like it was someone new who gave me guidance."

"What's your name?"

"Zhong Xuan... I've never heard of him."

On the training ground, a dozen or so newly initiated apprentices were whispering among themselves.

Those who can become disciples of the Sky Eagle Martial Arts School are all from wealthy families, and are naturally well-informed, knowing all the masters in the city very well.

As one of the top three martial arts schools in Baisha City, Tianying Martial Arts School has nine instructors and three mentors, all of whom are well-known martial artists in the city.

The only newcomer, Zhong, was completely unknown, and his hair and beard were gray.

Therefore, most of the apprentices seemed uninterested.

That's what I'll say.

If it weren't for the fact that they couldn't learn the most famous grappling technique from the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School, who would be willing to take the chance to learn this completely unknown sword technique?

Zhong Xuan was not surprised by this.

A person's name, a tree's shadow.

Most of the apprentices came for the master, Qian Hong, who was renowned in Baisha County for his grappling skills. Zheng Yue's reputation was far inferior in comparison. In addition, the Eagle Strike Sword Technique was inherently difficult to learn, so those willing to learn swordsmanship were naturally inferior apprentices with opportunistic intentions. Among the dozen or so people, not even one had entered the training stage.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Zhong Xuan spoke:

"What I teach is the introductory explanation of Eagle Strike Sword Technique. The sword technique has three parts: Eagle Flight, Eagle Descends, and Eagle Strike..."

While explaining, he demonstrated the sword stance.

Since he was entrusted by Zheng Yue, he still spoke very seriously, even though very few people listened attentively.

There was no overtime.

Just an hour later, Zhong Xuan decisively ended the class and went to a corner of the training ground to continue practicing his skills.

"The martial arts school has everything."

Weapon racks were placed on one side of the training ground.

It has all kinds of weapons, including swords, spears, axes, and clubs.

The Qing Kingdom was founded on military strength. Although it did not prohibit the use of weapons, it was not easy for ordinary people to buy a sword or weapon.

Zhong Xuan held the heavy iron sword in his hand, the texture of which was far superior to the wooden sword he had used before, and his progress in practicing the Eagle Style Sword Technique was much faster.

"The money has all been used to buy bone-strengthening medicine. I'll buy a suitable weapon when I get my salary in a few months."

Zhong Xuan borrowed the iron sword and practiced from 9 AM to 11 PM. After completing a round of Eagle Seven Breathing Technique, he left the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School and returned to Xiahe Village.

......

......

Xiahe Village.

"Brother, I went into town today, and guess who I saw?"

Ma Lao Da, who was pretending to be asleep in the house, was startled awake. He glanced at Ma Lao Er, who burst into the room with some displeasure.

"I've already told you, don't be so hasty in doing things, otherwise I won't be able to protect you if you cause trouble in the future."

Boss Ma scolded.

His dissatisfaction with his incorrigible younger brother was already evident in his words.

Ma Lao Er didn't take it seriously and anxiously said to himself, "These past few days, when I went to the city on business, I actually saw Old Man Zhong coming out of the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School several times."

"Brother, do you think Old Zhong might have hit the jackpot and become a member of the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School?"

"Flying Eagle Martial Arts School?"

Upon hearing this, Boss Ma immediately frowned.

Ma Lao Er revealed a ruthless look and gritted his teeth: "Third Brother was killed by Old Man Zhong. I don't know what kind of luck that old guy had. Let's take advantage of the fact that Old Man Zhong's relationship is not yet settled and strike first to kill that old bastard."

"idiot!"

Boss Ma cursed.

What exactly is the Flying Eagle Martial Arts School?

The master of the martial arts school, Qian Hong, is one of the top three martial arts masters in Baisha City. Crushing them would be as easy as stepping on ants.

Even if Old Man Zhong might not be able to get close to someone like Qian Hong, he still needs to figure out the situation first.

"I will send someone to investigate this matter. Do not act rashly."

Ma Lao Er was still somewhat unwilling: "Brother, given our relationship within the Sha Gang, what is his Flying Eagle Martial Arts School compared to us...?"

He hadn't finished speaking.

Boss Ma's face was so dark it could drip blood: "If you utter another word, I'll cut your tongue out right now, so you won't become a menace and drag me down with you."

"Yes, yes, big brother, I was wrong, I was wrong."

Ma Lao Er realized he had said the wrong thing and pretended to slap himself twice.

"Alright, remember to do what I asked you to do well."

Ma Laoda watched his second brother leave.

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

He knew very well that it was impossible to find the real killer from Ma San's death.

But as Ma Lao Er said, his third brother died because of Zhong Xuan, so he must be paid for with Zhong Xuan's blood, even if it means going against Ma Lei's instructions.

"You caused my brother's death, so I'll make sure you have no descendants!"

......

......

Moon stars are rare.

Xiahe Village was exceptionally lively today, with the sounds of firecrackers and children playing constantly heard outside the courtyards.

Every household was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, filled with joy.

The Zhong family also put on brand new peach wood charms.

"Old Zhong, are you really not coming to my house to celebrate the New Year?"

Old Wu came to the door to inquire.

"I'm not going. My surname is Zhong, not Wu. There's no way I'd go to your house to stay up all night on New Year's Eve."

Zhong Xuan shook his head and refused.

of course.

The real reason was that once he left, Old Wu would inevitably be scolded by his wife. It was a time of renewal, and there was no need to accumulate bad luck for the coming year.

"All right."

Old Wu roughly knew why Zhong Xuan hadn't been visiting his house.

As people get older, they lose control of their own lives.

After Old Wu left.

Smoke rose from the kitchen of the Zhong family.

New Year's Eve.

Zhong Xuan was no exception and stewed a pot of pheasants and rabbits he had hunted in recent days.

A short while later.

The irresistible aroma of meat filled the kitchen.

In Xiahe Village, today is a time when most farmers rarely get to eat meat.

I ate dinner early.

Then, in a lavish manner, a large pot of water was boiled, a packet of bone-strengthening powder was added, and the arms were draped over the edge of a large wooden tub, immersing the whole body in the medicinal soup.

Two hours later.

Zhong Xuan absorbed all the medicinal power of the packet of bone-strengthening medicine.

Only then did he step out of the large wooden tub and dry himself off.

It's almost midnight.

Zhong Xuan glanced at the bright moon hanging high in the center.

His muscles and bones had absorbed the full power of the medicine, and his blood and energy were at their peak. He picked up the wooden sword leaning against the corner of the wall and moved nimbly.

In the small courtyard.

Zhong Xuan held a sword in his right hand, his whole demeanor appearing relaxed and at ease.

Yet, with each breath, there is an extraordinary charm.

I have been practicing the breathing technique for over a month.

He is making rapid progress; the progress he has made in this month is equivalent to that of the previous four months.

This is the domineering nature of breathing techniques.

Zhong Xuan strode forward, instantly crossing the courtyard from east to west, a distance of two zhang, his long sword flashing continuously in the air.

Thrust, slash, smash...

The speed of the sword strikes increased rapidly, eventually transforming into numerous afterimages.

The courtyard seemed to be inhabited by eagles, their cries never ceasing.

Before long, Zhong Xuan's sword stance changed. The second move of the Eagle Style Sword Technique, Eagle Fall, gradually became smooth and effortless, like a whirlwind sweeping across the land.

next moment.

The wooden sword could no longer withstand the force of the sword and shattered into pieces.

But Zhong Xuan's eyes lit up.

"Swordsmanship has reached a minor level of mastery!"