Side Step Shoulder Shift Heart Piercing Elbow

Someone's looking for trouble!

Li Yan was a little surprised.

In the Jianghu, what mattered was substance, and what was emphasized was face.

Sometimes, face was more important than life itself.

Therefore, unless there was a deep-seated grudge, no one would stir up trouble arbitrarily. Regardless of whether they would stab you in the back later, or how ruthless they were when they turned on you, at least their words were always pleasant to hear.

Those with foul mouths usually didn't live for more than a few years.

He was just a ten-year-old boy who rarely left his village. Everyone present was his senior.

Could it be that this person had a screw loose, saying such sarcastic remarks?

The one who spoke was also a young man, about twenty years old. His face was fairly square, but his eyebrows were sparse, giving him a fierce look.

Li Yan's expression remained unchanged, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Do we know each other?"

He had a pair of Phoenix Eyes and Dragon Eyes, which naturally exuded a chilling aura and inherent cold majesty without needing to practice his eyesight. He usually tried to restrain them.

As his eyes narrowed, his imposing aura rose involuntarily, causing everyone around to feel a jolt in their hearts, inexplicably daring not to underestimate him again.

"You scoundrel, why are you talking so sarcastically!"

Sha LiFei saw this and quickly stood up to retort, then smiled at Li Yan. "This is not an outsider. This is Meng HaiCheng, a disciple of Chairman Zhou of the Xianyang Divine Fist Society."

Li Yan understood the reason immediately upon hearing this.

The Divine Fist Society was not a gang, but an organization recognized by the Imperial Court.

During the Former Dynasty Da Xing, although they were in a standoff with the Golden Horde Khanate to the north and south, the warriors from the grasslands were all fierce, robust, and brave.

The Da Xing Dynasty lost more than it won in every war.

The rise and fall of a nation concerned every common man.

Several Grandmasters of Martial Arts from the Da Xing Dynasty, with the support of the Imperial Court, set aside their differences and established a super organization, the Divine Fist Society, which various sects and schools joined.

Jianghu figures, unable to tolerate the military laws and regulations of the Imperial Court, found themselves thriving within the Divine Fist Society. They repeatedly infiltrated the north, assassinating, setting fires, and gathering intelligence, earning great merit.

Later, when the founding emperor of the Great Xuan Dynasty seized power, he relied on them immensely, finally unifying the Divine Land and annexing the entire great grassland.

After the world stabilized, the Divine Fist Society changed its nature.

Although there was no "killing the cunning rabbit after it has served its purpose," the Imperial Court would not allow such a vast force to remain uncontrolled. Thus, various means were employed to strengthen control, and the Divine Fist Society gradually declined.

Today, the Divine Fist Society is a semi-official organization.

The president of the Divine Fist Society, Grandmaster Huo Yin, is even the martial arts instructor for the royal family's children.

They served as intermediaries between the Imperial Court and the Jianghu, and were also a hand of the Great Xuan royal family extended into the Jianghu. They often cooperated with the Yamen to quell local banditry, especially against forces like the Maitreya Sect.

Some Jianghu figures disapproved, calling them lackeys.

Conversely, the presidents of the Divine Fist Society in various regions could also gain considerable benefits, operating in a gray area with many disciples and considerable influence.

There were bound to be some disputes within the Jianghu.

His father, Li Hu, known as the Sick Tiger, intended to compete for the position of president of the Xianyang Divine Fist Society to secure a future for the family, but unfortunately, he met with misfortune later.

The Chairman Zhou mentioned by Sha LiFei was originally named Zhou Pan, skilled in Red Fist and Form and Will Monkey Fist, and was one of the contenders. It was precisely because of his father's misfortune that this person was able to take the position.

He was petty and vindictive. It was said that in the past two years, not only had his martial arts become increasingly profound, but he had also raised two large macaques, teaching them Monkey Fist.

Those who came to spar only had the chance to fight him after defeating the monkeys.

There were those on the Guanzhong Road who couldn't stand it and jokingly called him: "When the tiger is away, the monkey reigns supreme." This referred to Zhou Pan and his father.

Given his temperament, he naturally wouldn't bully a junior, but he couldn't help but feel resentful.

Thinking this, Li Yan had a clear understanding of the situation.

Meng HaiCheng, who was acting as the Wheat Harvester Leader, indicated that he was not doing particularly well.

He clearly knew Li Yan's identity and wanted to step on him to gain favor with his master, Chairman Zhou, hence the taunting words.

Li Yan was not one to be bullied. He nodded and said, "I understand. You want to step on me, a junior, to advance your own position and seek fame and fortune. It's understandable."

As soon as he said this, everyone's expression turned strange.

They were all seasoned Jianghu veterans. Meng HaiCheng had barely shown his intentions before they knew what he was up to, and they all felt contempt for him.

But it was clear that this son of Li Hu was no pushover.

Meng HaiCheng needed an excuse to provoke him, but this kid had directly exposed his intentions.

Sometimes, the truth could be more hurtful than a lie.

As expected, Meng HaiCheng's face turned bright red, but he couldn't refute it. He could only angrily scold, "How can you be so ill-mannered at such a young age? If you talk nonsense again, I'll teach you a lesson today!"

Unexpectedly, Li Yan didn't get angry upon hearing this. He just shook his head slightly. "You have no shame and no bearing. I suppose your martial arts are also mediocre. I don't want to fight you."

This was a critical blow.

"Sharp-tongued, take this!"

Meng HaiCheng could no longer hold back and lunged forward with a whoosh.

This leap of his was called Monkey Leap.

Monkey Fist emphasizes five essentials: form must resemble a monkey, intent must be true, steps must be light, techniques must be precise, and the body must be agile. Without the "Monkey Intent," it's not Monkey Fist.

A monkey sits on a tree, and if disturbed, it leaps out with a rustle. Sometimes, even unprepared fierce beasts in the mountains will be scratched and bleed profusely.

The key is surprise, speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness.

Meng HaiCheng's move now had the right feel to it, like a startled macaque leaping towards Li Yan from five or six meters away in the blink of an eye.

Everyone frowned, some with disdain.

Meng HaiCheng was shameless, even resorting to sneak attacks against a junior.

He did shout "Watch out!" beforehand, but then used Monkey Leap. What was the difference between saying it and not saying it?

Fortunately, the guy knew where to draw the line. His hands formed claws, not to grab Li Yan's throat, but to aim for his right shoulder, indicating he wasn't going for a killing blow.

But even so, it was a vicious move.

If he wasn't mistaken, the opponent would immediately follow up with a "Silken Thread Grasp" or "Bone Dislocation" technique to dislocate Li Hu's son's arm and then humiliate him.

Young people are often proud and arrogant, but too much rigidity leads to breakage. A setback like this early in their Jianghu career could cripple them if they couldn't recover.

Attacking the heart is sometimes more ruthless than killing.

Of course, they saw through it but didn't say anything.

After all, Zhou Pan was narrow-minded, and they didn't want to provoke him. At most, they'd talk about it afterward, letting people know what kind of people the master and disciple were.

However, Li Yan was already prepared.

The moment Meng HaiCheng launched his Monkey Leap, Li Yan's entire body jolted, his hair stood on end. His right toe tapped the ground, and his body shot back two meters. Simultaneously, he shifted his stance and swapped his shoulders, raising his left hand slightly while his right hand swept back.

This move immediately created distance.

"Hmm..."

The old Blade Wielder in the sheepskin jacket from Longyou saw this and his eyes showed surprise.

He had the highest seniority and was the oldest among the crowd.

Although he hadn't achieved much in his life, he had traveled extensively and was experienced, developing a keen eye.

Li Yan's move already possessed the essence of Red Fist.

The Red Fist Sixteen Character Secret states: Support and Supplement are the mother, Hook and Guard are the ability, Transformation is the marvel, and Strike is the method.

Especially the body movement, which emphasizes the body as a line, not a plane. The shoulders must be agile in their shifts, and agile shoulders lead the steps, which is the "Transformation."

Left is not left, right is not right, retreating is advancing, advancing is retreating—this highlights the "marvel" of change, which is "Transformation."

As the saying goes, mastering Side Step Shoulder Shift makes one as formidable as a god.

Li Yan's Side Step Shoulder Shift not only dodged Meng HaiCheng's sneak attack but also controlled the distance with exquisite precision. Coupled with the alternating palm strikes, Support for defense and Supplement for offense, he was at ease whether attacking or defending.

"Damn, this kid's got some skill!"

Meng HaiCheng, in the midst of the action, felt a jolt in his heart.

An expert reveals themselves with their first move.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

He was still in mid-air and hadn't landed. His old strength was gone, and his new strength hadn't arrived. If he pressed on, he wouldn't reach Li Yan and would be caught in an opening.

Meng HaiCheng, having walked the Jianghu for several years, immediately retracted his claws to protect his head and chest. At the same time, he twisted his body, intending to turn and deliver a side kick.

His goal wasn't to injure the enemy but to create distance and prevent the opponent from attacking.

However, Li Yan was already set, his counter-move even faster.

As he retreated and shifted his stance, Support and Supplement became his momentum. Simultaneously, he lowered his body, shifting his center of gravity to his right leg. His muscles bulged, his back arched slightly, like a compressed spring.

The moment Meng HaiCheng changed his move, Li Yan exploded forward with a Heart Piercing Elbow.

Bang!

A muffled thud echoed, and Meng HaiCheng flew backward, rolling twice on the ground. He clutched his chest, his face pale, unable to catch his breath.

Li Yan's elbow had directly broken through his guard and landed squarely.

"Good!"

Everyone's faces showed surprise, but Sha LiFei was the first to cheer.

The others exchanged glances, utterly incredulous.

The moment Li Yan struck, his bones and sinews crackled, indicating he was at the peak of Manifested Strength.

The exquisite technique was one thing; Li Hu was a renowned figure, and the Li Family had a legacy. Perhaps they had found an expert to coach him.

In this world, Manifested Strength is considered the beginning of Martial Arts. Martial artists train their bodies and temper their bones, making their strength evident in every move.

The characteristic of successful cultivation is the vibration of the major sinews and the resonance of bones and sinews.

The major sinews of the human body are attached to the bones and are interconnected. The vibration of the major sinews can drive all the bones and muscles, concentrating the force into a single strike.

To reach the peak of Manifested Strength at such a young age was truly rare.

On the other end, Meng HaiCheng was in extreme discomfort.

He had taken a solid Heart Piercing Elbow to the chest, his vital points blocked, and he couldn't catch his breath for a long time. He was currently rubbing his chest to recover.

Fortunately, Li Yan was only at Manifested Strength. If he had cultivated Hidden Strength and intended to harm him, this blow would have damaged his lung meridian, causing him to vomit blood uncontrollably.

Even if he recovered for a few years, he would be crippled.

Furthermore, Meng HaiCheng had already eaten a lot of Mutton Offal Soup and steamed buns earlier. His stomach was churning violently, and he couldn't hold it in any longer. He let out a "wah" and threw up.

Instantly, the sour and foul smell carried for miles against the wind, making the surrounding Wheat Harvesters chuckle and retreat.

Although it was embarrassing, the blockage in his chest had cleared.

Seeing the expressions of those around him, Meng HaiCheng's face turned from green to white. He didn't dare to utter any more threats. He stumbled to his feet and ran out.

He could tell that Li Yan, despite his young age, was ruthless and cruel.

He had already lost today. If he didn't leave quickly, he might not even get a chance to retaliate.

Li Yan glanced at him indifferently and didn't pay him any mind.

After all, this was not a chaotic era. A sparring match and murder were two completely different matters, especially in broad daylight. The laws of the Great Xuan Dynasty showed no mercy to those in the Jianghu either.

Moreover, after this battle, he had a clear understanding in his heart.

He was stuck at the peak of Manifested Strength, and what he lacked was experience. To break through, he would likely need to spar with others.

With the Substitute Divine Statue, ordinary injuries were not a concern at all.

As long as he didn't die, he dared to face anyone who came at him.

"A worthy son of a worthy father..."

Several Blade Wielders nearby praised him.

They were seasoned veterans of the Jianghu and were never stingy with their compliments.

Furthermore, a young tiger emerging from its den had already shown its might. It was likely to achieve great things in the future.

"You seniors flatter me."

Li Yan responded briefly before pulling Sha LiFei to a secluded spot. His eyes turned sinister. "Uncle Sha, you set me up. What are you trying to pull?!"

He had dealt with many people in his previous life, and in this life, his father had taught him various Jianghu ways. How could he not see that Sha LiFei had dug a pit for him?

Knowing that Xianyang was Zhou Pan's territory and that his disciples were present, Sha LiFei deliberately revealed his identity, clearly intending to trap him.

"What are you talking about, kid..."

Sha LiFei said with a smirk, about to retort, when his expression suddenly froze.

In Li Yan's hand, a short knife had appeared at some point. While seemingly speaking to him, it had already emerged from his sleeve and was pressed against Sha LiFei's chest.

Sha LiFei swallowed hard. "Let's talk, let's talk."

Looking at Li Yan's cold, glinting eyes, he felt a pang of panic, inexplicably sensing that this young man was reckless and truly dared to act.

He no longer dared to hesitate. He whispered something that made Li Yan freeze in surprise.

"Don't you want to know... how your father died?"