Spear Technique Sparring

The blazing sun poured down over the sandy ground of the martial arts arena, casting it in a golden glow.

The air was thick with a mixture of tension and excitement. Liu Feng, Er Hu, and Liu San stood to one side, staring intently at Liu Qing in the center of the arena.

Liu Qing held a long spear in his hand. Its shaft was slender and straight, carrying an ancient sheen, while its sharp tip glimmered with a cold glint beneath the sunlight, as though it could slash through the air at any moment.

Liu Qing looked calm, his piercing gaze steady as he slowly spoke. His voice was steady and powerful, echoing across the martial arts arena. "You have all been studying spear techniques under me for some time now. It is time to test your results with a real combat exercise."

His eyes swept over the three youths in order as he continued, "The three of you will take turns fighting me one-on-one. We will all use wooden spears. Do not be afraid of getting hurt; treat it like a real battle.

"During the sparring, I will point out your shortcomings. I hope you will stay fully focused and learn from the experience."

Liu Feng, Er Hu, and Liu San all nodded, their eyes filled with nervousness.

They knew perfectly well that this was not only a rare opportunity to learn, but also a major test of how well they had mastered their spear techniques.

"Xiao Feng, you go first." Liu Qing looked at Liu Feng, his tone carrying a hint of encouragement.

Liu Feng took a deep breath, calming the tension in his heart as he steadily walked into the center of the martial arts arena.

He clenched the wooden spear in his hand and assumed a standard starting stance. His feet were planted firmly, his knees slightly bent, and his spear tip pointed diagonally at the ground. He stared resolutely at his father, blazing fighting spirit burning in his eyes.

At that moment, he understood that this was not only a stage to display his spear technique, but also the perfect chance to seek guidance from his father.

"Begin." As soon as Liu Qing spoke, he slowly raised his long spear and took up a defensive stance.

Liu Feng instantly entered a combat state. Without the slightest hesitation, he pushed off fiercely with his feet, kicking up a little dust from the ground.

His wooden spear shot out like black lightning, accompanied by a sharp sound of breaking air as it thrust straight toward Liu Qing's chest.

That thrust was incredibly fast. It was obvious that he had used every ounce of his strength, determined to succeed.

Yet Liu Qing remained composed in the face of Liu Feng's ferocious strike, entirely unflustered.

He lightly sidestepped, his movements nimble and smooth. Liu Feng's wooden spear flashed past, grazing the hem of his clothes.

Immediately afterward, Liu Qing flicked his wrist. The wooden spear in his hand turned like a spiritual serpent and counterthrust toward Liu Feng's shoulder.

Liu Feng reacted quickly and hurriedly retreated, but Liu Qing's spear tip followed him like a shadow, pressing in relentlessly.

"Your speed is good, but your strength is too dispersed." Liu Qing's calm voice rang out. "A spear technique is about concentrating your force at a single point, not blindly pursuing speed."

Liu Feng's heart shook, and he immediately realized his problem. He swiftly adjusted his stance.

He took a deep breath, gathering the strength of his entire body at the spear tip before launching another attack.

This time, his wooden spear shot forth like a bolt of white lightning, thrusting directly toward Liu Qing's abdomen.

A flash of approval passed through Liu Qing's eyes, but his movements remained steady.

With a light lift of his spear, he deftly neutralized Liu Feng's attack. Then he reversed his grip and thrust, the spear tip pointing directly at Liu Feng's throat.

Liu Feng hurriedly leaned back, his body almost parallel to the ground as he narrowly avoided that fatal blow.

Yet Liu Qing's spear tip still swept past his neck, bringing a chill with it.

Liu Qing withdrew his wooden spear and said calmly, "Your reaction speed is decent, but your defense is too passive. Spear techniques are not only about attack; defense is equally important. Again."

Liu Feng nodded, committing this valuable experience firmly to heart.

He adjusted his breathing once more, bringing his body and mind to their best state before assuming an attacking stance again.

This time, he did not rush to attack. Instead, he watched Liu Qing's every movement without blinking, trying to find an opening.

Liu Qing saw through Liu Feng's intentions and smiled slightly. "Very good. Learning to observe your opponent's movements is the beginning of improvement." After speaking, he took the initiative and launched an attack.

Liu Qing's wooden spear came at him like a raging storm. Every thrust targeted Liu Feng's vital points, spear shadows flashing so rapidly that they were difficult to follow.

Liu Feng defended with all his strength, his wooden spear moving swiftly as he tried to block Liu Qing's fierce assault.

However, Liu Qing's spear technique was simply too sharp. Though Liu Feng did his utmost to block most of the attacks, several thrusts still grazed his body, leaving shallow marks on his clothes.

As Liu Qing's attacks grew faster and faster, Liu Feng gradually began to tire, and gaps started appearing in his defense.

"Your defense is too rigid and lacks flexibility." Liu Qing attacked while patiently pointing out his flaws. "Spear techniques require a balance of hardness and softness. Even while defending, you must leave room for a counterattack."

Hearing this, Liu Feng immediately adjusted his defensive strategy.

He no longer blocked forcefully at every turn, instead trying to use clever force to deflect Liu Qing's attacks.

Sure enough, Liu Qing's attacking rhythm was slightly disrupted. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Feng suddenly counterattacked, his wooden spear stabbing toward Liu Qing's chest like a venomous snake.

A flash of surprise appeared in Liu Qing's eyes, but his movements remained steady.

He gave his spear a light flick, skillfully neutralizing Liu Feng's attack, then counterthrust toward Liu Feng's brow.

Liu Feng hurriedly retreated, but Liu Qing's spear tip still came to rest against his forehead.

"Not bad. This counterattack was quite threatening." Liu Qing withdrew his wooden spear and nodded approvingly. "But the timing of your counterattack can still be more precise. Remember, the essence of spear techniques lies in accurately grasping the right moment."

Liu Feng took a deep breath and nodded to show that he understood.

He knew there were still many areas where he needed improvement, but he had gained a great deal from this spar.

Next came the duel between Er Hu and Liu Qing.

Er Hu was tall and powerfully built, with astonishing strength, but his spear technique appeared somewhat clumsy.

During their duel, Liu Qing mainly pointed out that Er Hu's movements were too stiff and lacked flexibility.

"Your strength is impressive, but spear techniques are not merely a contest of strength." Liu Qing easily deflected Er Hu's attacks while patiently instructing him. "Learn to use clever force. Do not rely solely on brute strength."

Er Hu nodded repeatedly. Although his movements were still somewhat stiff, under Liu Qing's careful guidance, his spear technique gradually began to change, and he started to understand how to use clever force.

Finally came the duel between Liu San and Liu Qing.

Liu San's spear technique was flexible and varied, but because he had grown up surviving on meals from different households, his body was rather thin and weak, leaving him lacking in strength.

During their duel, Liu Qing mainly pointed out his lack of strength and insufficient attack power.

"Your spear technique is very flexible, but it lacks the support of strength." Liu Qing easily blocked Liu San's attacks as he spoke patiently.

"Your body is on the thinner side, but you can try combining flexibility with precision. Only then can you bring out the true power of your spear technique."

"There is no need to worry too much about strength. As you grow older, your strength will naturally increase."

Liu San nodded. He knew what he was dealing with and was deeply grateful for Liu Qing's guidance.

After the combat exercise ended, Liu Qing stood in the center of the martial arts arena. His gaze swept over the three youths in front of him as he said earnestly, "You all performed well in today's duels, but there are still many things that need improvement."

"Remember, spear techniques are not just a competition of skill. They are the combined application of strength, speed, and timing. I hope you will continue working hard and constantly improve yourselves."

Liu Feng, Er Hu, and Liu San answered in unison, "Yes!"

At that moment, the lingering glow of dusk fell over the martial arts arena, coating the three youths in a golden edge and making them appear especially upright and resolute.

"All right, that is enough for today. Dismissed."

At Liu Qing's command, the three of them immediately let out a breath of relief.

Afterward, Liu Feng followed his father home.

A gentle breeze brushed past them, carrying over the fragrance of cooking from the distance. The two unconsciously quickened their pace.

At dinner, the Liu family's table was covered with simple but steaming home-cooked dishes. The rising heat carried the aroma of food throughout the house.

Liu Qing picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, then looked up at Liu Feng and Liu Bai. "I will not be going to town to sell medicine tomorrow. I need to head deep into the forest to gather some medicinal materials."

"The semiannual soul hunting period at Longxing City's Soul Master Academy has begun. Healing medicine has been selling especially fast in town lately, and our stock is nearly depleted."

Liu Bai nodded, set down his bowl, and stroked his beard. "Perfect. I will go with you tomorrow."

"Xiao Feng is almost nine years old. The medicinal supplements at home have become almost useless to him, so it is time to take him into the forest for some practical experience."

"We should venture a little deeper and see whether we can hunt some soul beast meat or find some high-year nourishing medicinal materials."

Liu Feng's eyes immediately lit up when he heard this. He quickly asked, "Grandpa, can I go too? I have been cultivating for a long time as well, and I have been looking for a chance to test my skills!"

Liu Qing smiled and patted Liu Feng on the shoulder. "Of course you can. But the forest is nothing like home; it is full of dangers. You must follow orders and not run around."

Liu Feng nodded repeatedly and said excitedly, "I will definitely behave!"