Everyone turned toward the sound. When they saw who had arrived, they exchanged bewildered looks.
It was Qin Wang, who had come to pay a visit with his younger brother, Qin Lai.
Qin Lai carried the gifts: two packets of pastries and a jug of fine liquor sealed with red cloth. An unnatural smile was plastered across his fleshy face.
Qin Wang stood at the courtyard gate and cupped his hands toward them. "Brother, my good-for-nothing younger brother offended you a few days ago. As his older brother, I've brought him here today to apologize on his behalf. I hope you'll forgive him."
As he spoke, he glanced sideways at Qin Lai and glared. His voice sharpened. "What did I tell you at home? Hurry up and apologize to Brother Qin Meng!"
Qin Lai stepped forward, set the gifts aside, and bowed to Qin Meng. "Mengzi... no, Brother Meng. I was blinded by greed and acted like a fool. We're all from the same village, so don't hold it against me..."
Despite his words, Qin Lai's gaze wandered, betraying his reluctance.
Qin Meng sneered inwardly. The brothers weren't especially good actors, Qin Lai least of all; his reluctance was practically written across his face. Qin Meng knew this was probably Qin Wang's delaying tactic, meant to lull him into complacency.
He didn't call them out. Instead, he put on a genial smile and hurried over to greet them.
"Now, Brother Wang, Brother Lai, what's all this? You're being too formal!"
Qin Meng took hold of Qin Lai's arm, stopping him from truly bowing. His voice rang out warmly. "It was just a little misunderstanding. We've talked it out, so it's all settled.
"I'm young and hotheaded. These things happen. What's past is past! Come on in and sit. We're just having a meal—there's room for two more!"
As he spoke, he discreetly gestured toward Old Man Yang and the others, who were watching. "Uncle Yang, Tiezhu, you can bear witness. Here in our fort, if there's a misunderstanding, we talk it out."
He meant his words for the Qin brothers, but also for everyone present.
Qin Wang's eyes flickered. He laughed heartily. "Brother Qin Meng speaks the truth! What a generous spirit!"
He took Qin Lai by the arm. "Since Brother Qin Meng holds no grudge, how about we brothers drink to you and put this behind us?"
"Sure!" Qin Meng motioned for Qiu Yue to bring over some bowls, then poured the liquor Qin Lai had brought.
The three clinked bowls and drained them.
Qin Wang didn't linger. After a few more polite words, he took Qin Lai and left.
After seeing the brothers off, Old Man Yang and the others finished their meal and departed with profuse thanks.
Only Qin Meng's family and Li Tiezhu remained in the courtyard.
Li Tiezhu leaned close to Qin Meng and lowered his voice. "Mengzi, my dad always said Qin Wang used to be a scoundrel.
"He's learned all the tricks of the trade at the county yamen. He's sweet-tongued but bitter-hearted, and he's no good at all. Don't let a few kind words and a bowl of liquor fool you!"
Qin Meng patted his shoulder, his smile turning cold. "Don't worry, Tiezhu. A weasel visiting a hen on New Year's has nothing good in mind. They're definitely up to something behind the scenes, but we'll handle whatever comes."
After they cleared away the bowls and chopsticks,
Shen Qiuyue began her daily physical training indoors, as a matter of course, working up a heavy sweat.
Qin Meng and Li Tiezhu went to an open spot in the courtyard, ready to spar.
Li Tiezhu naturally used his iron spear.
Qin Meng found a sturdy wooden pole of similar length, with the hoehead removed, and used it as a spear.
"Careful, Mengzi! My spear won't go easy on you!"
Li Tiezhu warned him. Then he sank his stance and flicked his wrist. His spear shot out like a venomous snake, hissing softly as it thrust toward Qin Meng's chest. It was the opening move of the militia Martial Skill, Pear Blossom Spear.
Qin Meng focused and raised his wooden pole to block.
"Clack!" The pole struck the spear shaft. Qin Meng's arm shuddered, and he stepped back half a pace.
Li Tiezhu pressed his advantage. His spear shaft quivered, turning into a flurry of icy points that covered Qin Meng's upper body like falling pear blossoms. This was Pear Blossom Bloom.
At first, Qin Meng struggled to keep up with the relentless assault.
But as the exchange continued, the spear and lance techniques buried deep in his memories awakened, surging into his mind like a tide.
The wooden pole in his hands stopped being merely a shield. He began changing moves and counterattacking. His technique was still clumsy, but his strikes were powerful, and he gradually clawed back the advantage.
[Comprehended an unranked Martial Skill: Berserker Spear Technique] [Berserker Spear Technique—Beginner (9/100)] [Martial Skill Progress: 1%] [Effect: None]
Several lines of golden text appeared. Qin Meng's spirits lifted, and his understanding deepened.
He no longer clung to the fragments in his memory. Instead, he combined what he'd learned of spear techniques with his own strength and his methods for channeling his qi and blood.
Gradually, he went from evenly matched to completely at ease. The Weakness Detection effect of Black Dragon Eighteen Hands also helped him spot his opponent's flaws with ease.
Often, Qin Meng's wooden pole didn't meet the spear head-on. He would knock it aside, guide it away, or lift it, always striking the weak points in Li Tiezhu's technique. He was beginning to turn the tables and even coach his opponent.
Li Tiezhu grew more startled and more excited with every exchange. He could feel Qin Meng's "spear technique" advancing from clumsy to practiced at an astonishing pace.
What's more, Qin Meng's broad, forceful style, which broke through finesse with sheer power, quickly found Li Tiezhu's weaknesses. It put him under a whole new kind of pressure and gave him fresh insights.
Sparring with his childhood friend forced him to give it his all and keep adjusting and shoring up his weak points. Without realizing it, he was gaining a deeper understanding of Pear Blossom Spear.
Night deepened, and stars began to twinkle.
Ever since awakening his innate talent, Qin Meng had possessed astonishing stamina and didn't feel tired in the slightest.
"N-no more. I need a break!"
But after more than an hour of intense sparring, Li Tiezhu finally ran out of strength. He jumped out of the ring, leaned on his spear, and panted heavily.
"That was satisfying." Qin Meng wiped the faint sweat from his brow. The moment he lowered his spear, the qi and blood surging through him from the fierce exchange suddenly gathered, and then an even more formidable force burst from deep within his marrow. It coursed through him, strengthening his body, especially his legs and hips.
Several lines of text appeared before his eyes:
[Berserker Spear Technique—Dengtang Realm (13/200)] [Effect: Berserker Stomp]
Berserker Stomp: Slightly increases agility and steadiness of the lower body.
Qin Meng could clearly feel the muscles in his legs grow taut, his feet grip the ground far more firmly, and his hips turn with greater agility and ease.
When still, his lower body was rooted like the tangled roots of an ancient tree. In motion, he was light as a swallow, his steps swift and fluid.
This effect made up for some of his current shortcomings in footwork.
Sweat poured down Li Tiezhu's forehead, but a satisfied grin stretched across his face. "That was great! Really great! Mengzi, where'd you learn that spear technique?"
"I just messed around with it, then sparred with you. Suddenly, it started to click." Qin Meng smiled at Li Tiezhu. It wasn't entirely a lie.
"Your 'messing around' is downright terrifying." Li Tiezhu shook his head in amazement. After resting a little, he got up to leave. "Mengzi, I'm heading home. We've got drills with the squad tomorrow."
"I'll walk you out." Qin Meng walked Li Tiezhu to the end of the alley. They agreed to spar again the next evening if they had time, and then Qin Meng returned to his courtyard.
Inside, Xiao Xue, whose hind leg had been injured, was a sleepyhead and had long since drifted off. Shen Qiuyue had also washed up and changed into clean nightclothes.
Qin Meng blew out the oil lamp and lay down beside her.
Shen Qiuyue was still awake. She naturally rolled onto her side and nestled into his arms.
"Mengzi, those gifts..." Shen Qiuyue asked worriedly.
"They brought them over. Tomorrow, we'll host Old Man Yang." Qin Meng held her tight.
"So it's all settled?"
"No." A cold glint flashed in Qin Meng's eyes. "They've paid their New Year's visit. Now it's time to make their move."
He felt her delicate body tremble and press closer against his solid, burning chest. Her faint, sweet scent lingered in her hair and at her neck.
"Don't be afraid. I'm here." Qin Meng's breathing grew heavy.
After practicing martial arts all day and eating two deer hearts, the abundant qi and blood he'd built up during the sparring surged at the touch of her warm, yielding body.
His large hand slipped into her nightclothes of its own accord, caressing her smooth, delicate back.
"Mengzi... don't." Shen Qiuyue trembled, her voice barely audible, tinged with shyness and concern. "You practiced martial arts today. You're tired..."
"I'm not tired." Qin Meng chuckled softly, his breath hot. In a few quick movements, he swept away the last barrier between them and pulled her close, kissing her.
"Those who practice martial arts have vigorous qi and blood. We need to balance yin and yang..."
A moment later, their ragged breathing mingled with her muffled moans. Even the heated bed gave a faint creak as they clashed fiercely once more.
After the storm had passed, they lay in each other's arms.
Shen Qiuyue's cheeks were flushed. Nestled against Qin Meng, she soon drifted into a peaceful sleep. Feeling the soft warmth in his arms, Qin Meng closed his eyes too.
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