Chapter 71 Body Tempering

Chapter 71 Body Tempering

Chapter 71 Body Tempering (Subscription Request)

Thus, Xu Qing stayed in Zhou Tixue's official residence in Yingtian Prefecture for three days. During this period, Fa Yue came to visit him, but it turned out that Wu Xun'an already had the protection of the Embroidered Uniform Guards, so they were no longer needed and were ready to return home.

Fa Yue was still thinking about what Xu Qing had said about getting rich last time, and was waiting for Xu Qing to come back so that he could work hard.

Xu Qing would definitely meet Zhou Tixue before leaving, so he let Fa Yue go back with peace of mind and wait for news from him.

Fa Yue made a fortune following Xu Qing this time, and they had established trust, so he didn't urge him. He just hoped that Xu Sanyuan could go back earlier. After all, it was almost the end of the year, and monks also had to celebrate the New Year.

During these three days, Xu Qing was treated to fine wine and delicious food at Zhou Ti's academy.

Perhaps Zhou Tixue was also aware of Xu Qing's martial arts training, or he thought that Xu Qing was young and growing, so he needed to get enough nutrition.

Although Xu Qing had meat to supplement his nutrition, he did not spend much time practicing the Bull Demon Fist, but instead practiced the bow.

Because if he wants to further improve his Bull Demon Fist, he actually needs to use the strength of his whole body when drawing the bow to further temper his body. This is also a little trick that King Lin revealed to Xu Qing.

However, Old Lin still had a trick up his sleeve and did not give Xu Qing the prescription.

After all, each school and sect can accept the practice method being passed on, but they will never accept the prescription being stolen.

The kindness that the female master gave him in giving him the prescription for the Bagua Youshen Palm, the Silver Ring Gujing Pill, was indeed very significant.

Xu Qing is now using a cow tendon bow given to him by King Lin. It is well-made and is a rare fine product in the military camp. In fact, it was also seized from the Salt Gang’s stronghold.

The obvious power of the Bull Demon's powerful punch is actually a bow-drawing technique.

When Xu Qing practiced bow, he did not put an arrow on the bow, but pulled the empty string. This was very dangerous, but it was the only way to exercise the body.

If he hadn't already mastered the Bull Demon Fist, he would have easily gotten hurt if he had tried it rashly.

Even so, Xu Qing was still fully focused when drawing the bow, without any carelessness.

Practicing martial arts is different from studying.

If you don't study hard, at most you will fail in the imperial examination; if you don't practice martial arts seriously, you may hurt your body.

As people get older, they realize that having a good body is more valuable than anything else.

Xu Qing slowly pulled the bowstring out, like a full moon, and then slowly returned the string to its original position. The whole process seemed simple, but it was extremely strenuous.

With each pull, heat came out of Xu Qing's whole body.

Drawing the bow is not an easy task, and rewinding the string is even more physically demanding.

There is a reason why you can't just pull the bow and then release the string. If you release the string directly, it is very easy to hurt your arm, and if you do it too many times, the bow will be useless.

Of course, his purpose of practicing archery was not to shoot arrows, but to use the cow tendon bow to exercise his body.

After repeating this several times, Xu Qing felt as if all the muscles in his body were twisted and torn, and his waist, legs, abdomen, arms, back and neck were all aching.

This is not a bad thing.

It means his muscles are getting exercise.

"Originally, my progress in training my tendons was minimal, but now through bow training, my body has been further developed. This is not an effect that can be achieved by taking medicine. As expected, what the book says makes sense, a gentleman's nature is not different, but he is good at using external things. When you reach a certain level, you still need to be good at using external things to improve yourself. This is not relying on external things, but a means."

If Xu Qing didn't have the method of using the Bull Demon's powerful fist, even if he knew that practicing archery could strengthen the body, he would still have to explore for a long time before he could get any results.

Because the method of using the Bull Demon's powerful fist is the experience summarized by the predecessors after thousands of trials and tribulations, even if Xu Qing had a bronze mirror, it would be impossible for him to comprehend this method in a short time.

Take his Bengquan for example. Although it combines the strengths of Niu Mo's Da Li Quan and Bagua You Shen Zhang, it also stands on the shoulders of his predecessors. Without the foundation laid by his predecessors, how could he have combined the "Bengquan".

After a short rest, Xu Qing took half a step forward and threw a punch.

This is the Bengquan.

After practicing the cow tendon hard bow, Xu Qing gained a deeper understanding of the "Bengquan".

Practice drawing the bow repeatedly, then practice the Bengquan, over and over again.

Because the Banbu Collapse Fist involves the Bagua body movements, which contain the principles of the Book of Changes, Xu Qing thought of "The arrogant dragon will regret."

The arrogant dragon will regret, and the fullness cannot last long.

He realized that his Bengquan had a flaw, which was that the force was too strong.

In actual combat, if the Bengquan does not cause any damage to the opponent, wouldn't it reveal a flaw?

In the martial arts novels of the previous life, the "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms" - Kang Long You Hui - talks about this principle, that is, when you punch, you should retain three-tenths of your strength.

In fact, it is not necessary to leave three points, but there must be room.

You need to master this leeway yourself.

The concepts of Bengquan and Jianglongzhang are similar, that is, they are tough and fierce.

But being too tough all the time is not advisable.

For example, glass can be very hard, but it will break if touched because it lacks toughness.

Steel that has been tempered hundreds of times becomes tough, so the weapons made from it are naturally not easily damaged.

"Everything in the universe has its own principles. Human wisdom can help us understand these principles and put them to good use. This is called the study of things to gain knowledge."

Xu Qing was not unaware of these principles, but there was a gap between knowing and understanding. It was like learning mathematics, the most important thing was understanding, not using formulas to deduce results.

This is a secondary matter, not the fundamental purpose of learning mathematics.

Mathematics is used to analyze the reasons for the existence of the universe.

Now he understands in practice that the pursuit of knowledge through investigation of things is much more important than directly knowing the principle of the pursuit of knowledge through investigation of things.

When he understood, the bronze mirror also underwent subtle changes.

"Three more strands of holy energy." Xu Qing observed, feeling quite happy.

To study things and acquire knowledge is "knowledge", which is also in line with the way of saintly education. If "knowledge" and "action" are combined within the scope of one's ability, then the spirit of saintly virtue should continue to increase.

The greatest benefit of the aura of saintly virtue is that it can eliminate one's bad luck and prolong one's life.

But until now, Xu Qing still doesn't know what his final fate will be.

"Ancient books say that practicing is against the will of heaven, so heaven will send down death calamities, such as thunder calamities, human calamities... in short, all kinds of disasters. My calamity came after I was possessed, and I hadn't even started practicing at that time..."

This catastrophe of life span was like a sword hanging over Xu Qing's head, forcing him to not relax at all.

"If I am strong enough, even the sky cannot cover my eyes and the earth cannot bury my heart..." Xu Qing did not dare to shout out loud, but just swore in his heart that he would not become a short-lived ghost.

Actually, it is hard to say. He studied things to acquire knowledge and integrated knowledge with action. He imitated Wang Yangming. This character's experience was also quite bumpy. Although he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, he was exiled and imprisoned, and even lay in a coffin.

Hey, why are all his character templates not very good?

What timely rain, what enlightenment in Longchang, what live-in son-in-law...

Forget it, as long as it doesn't come to "the vast heaven, how can you be so unkind to me" in the end, it will be fine. If it really comes to this, he will have to destroy this "heaven".

After all, he is going to die, so what is there to be afraid of?

Just do it and it's done.

While he was deep in thought, a servant from the Zhou family came to inform him that Zhou Tixue wanted him to meet in the study. Xu Qingcai was sweating, so he naturally needed to change his clothes, so he asked someone to wait for a while.

There was no time to heat water for a bath. Fortunately, although it was winter, Xu Qing was not afraid of the cold. He just washed himself with cold water and changed his clothes.

This is also because he is strong enough now, and he dares to rinse his body with cold water directly after sweating.

However, for ordinary people, this may cause the risk of catching a cold, but for Xu Qing, it has the effect of exercise.

Because you have just sweated, your pores are open, and when you flush them with cold water, the pores close.

During this process, even the coccyx is stimulated. If you savor it carefully, you will find that it feels like the mysterious feeling of locking up your vital energy.

In the ancient books that Xu Qing read in his previous life, there were records of Taoists practicing martial arts in the snow and ice. After practicing, they used snow to wipe their bodies. He thought it was ridiculous at the time, but now he finds that there is indeed some truth in it.

But if ordinary people try this kind of thing, it would be almost like seeking death.

The Taoist practice of this kind actually has a bit of the meaning of stealing the secrets of heaven. The so-called stealing the secrets of heaven actually means to stimulate one's own potential and comprehend the wonderful principles of heaven and earth by doing some dangerous and bold things.

For example, Guard Wang also said that the most powerful monks in the Dachan Temple would practice martial arts on the edge of a cliff every day, standing on one foot in the air and punching to build up their courage.

Xu Qing asked him if anyone had made any mistakes.

Guard Wang fell silent.

Probably yes.

It seems that this kind of thing, if successful, can be called "stealing the secrets of heaven", and if it fails, it is called... a dead bald donkey?

After changing clothes, Xu Qing's muscles were hidden in the wide sleeves.

The temperament of "Jin Liang" was immediately apparent. As recorded in ancient books, he was eight feet tall and had a majestic appearance.

From this perspective, Zhuge Liang was also a gigolo in his early years. He was the son of a poor aristocratic family whose family was almost wiped out. He married the noble daughter of the Huang family and thus became famous among the princes.

Because Huang's daughter's mother's surname was Cai, Liu Biao's second wife also had the surname Cai.

Otherwise, people from ordinary backgrounds, no matter how talented they are, would not be able to earn the title of "Wolong" in Jingzhou during the era of the aristocratic families.

There is nothing wrong with that. Old Liang was famous because of his uncle; now Liang is famous because of his uncle.

In a world where everyone relies on their father, if you don’t have a father, you have to find one. Once you become strong, you can become someone else’s father.

It takes skill to recognize your father.

Xu Qing has no ability, so even if Feng Wu favors him, he will never be appreciated by Zhou Tixue.

Relationships are the stepping stone, talent is the foundation.

...

...

In the study, after some greetings, Zhou Tixue became more and more satisfied with Xu Qing.
"Qing'er, this is home, don't be restrained. Just call me uncle."

The only thing Zhou Tixue was not satisfied with was that bastard Wu Shilai, who picked a name for Xu Qing before him. Why did he feel a little cuckolded?

This is not the first time that the beautiful flowers in my garden have been eaten by dogs.

Could it be that there is something wrong with the feng shui of the Zhou family’s ancestral tomb in Taicang?

Things change, mountains and rivers change their course. A good feng shui in the past does not necessarily mean that it is good now.

Zhou Tixue was still angry.

Xu Qing took over the conversation and said, "What do you want to talk to me about, uncle?"

Zhou Tixue suppressed his dissatisfaction and smiled, "You are still patient. You haven't said you are going out these days. The current situation is relatively peaceful, but you still have to leave Yingtian Prefecture as soon as possible, otherwise something bad will happen sooner or later."

Zhou Tixue had certainly heard about the appointment of Wu Xun'an, and was vaguely aware that Xu Qing played an important role, but the matter was too complicated for a small scholar to get involved.

He now truly treats Xu Qing as his own nephew and does not want Xu Qing to get involved in this for no apparent reason.

"My nephew thinks so too."

Zhou Tixue: "You are different from other young men. I can see that you are patient. You should prepare well for the next provincial examination. Let's try to win the first place."

The Jiangning Xu family had been wiped out and their property was gone. Xu Qing was not good enough to marry the niece of Taicang Zhou family. However, he became the top scholar in Nanzhili, which was enough to shut the mouths of the old guys in the clan.

I don’t know what these old guys are thinking, they actually want to train “Qing’er” to enter the palace.

If it weren't for this incident, Feng Xifeng would not have moved to Jiangning Prefecture to become a teacher and refused to accept any help from Zhou, causing him and his niece to not see each other for several years.

However, after a few years of settling down, my brother-in-law has become enlightened and his judgment of the current situation has become more accurate.

But Zhou Tixue also knew that Feng Xifeng was arrogant and would not be able to be used at the right time.

He could have written some pedantic articles before, and passed the imperial examination first, but he was stubborn. After Feng Xifeng passed the imperial examination, he had a discussion with his brother-in-law, and he actually understood this idea.

The relationship between the examinee and the teacher is often binding. If he caters to the conservatives and passes the imperial examination, it will be difficult for him to change his position in the future. It is better to wait for the opportunity.

In official circles, if you want to make progress, choosing your stance is very important.

Of course, if you sit in the position of a big boss in the court, you are the position itself.

When Xu Qing heard that he had won the title of "Jieyuan", his mouth twitched and he said helplessly: "Mr. Feng is only the top of the Five Classics. Uncle, please don't look down on me."

Zhou Tixue became even more excited when he heard this, and said with a smile: "That's right, you won the first prize, then..."

When I think about the fact that my father-in-law only won the first place in the Five Classics in his previous exam, and his son-in-law won the first place in the Liyuan in the next exam, this scene is so exciting.

He paused and continued, "Anyway, you should prepare well for the provincial examination and try not to be distracted."

Xu Qing became suspicious when he heard Zhou Tixue repeatedly emphasize "preparing for the provincial examination."

Under normal circumstances, there are still nearly three years before the provincial examination. Why did Zhou Tixue repeatedly emphasize that he should prepare for the "provincial examination"?

"There must be a problem." Xu Qing is now accustomed to studying the details and figuring out something.

"Could there be an Enko?" he came to a conclusion.

In fact, it is normal to have Enke.

Because the reformists needed fresh forces, only by holding special examinations could they recruit a large number of new people to replace the conservatives. If they continued to wait for three years, three years after three years, the opportunity would be gone.

Is there any better cannon fodder than the newly-minted Jinshi and Juren?
Moreover, new talents have more motivation to reform.

Otherwise, if you follow the routine, you will have to wait for many years before you can get to the top.

Now that no one else knows the news, Xu Qing's preparation for review in advance is indeed an advantage.

Xu Qing came to his senses and said quickly, "I will definitely remember your uncle's teachings."

Zhou Tixue stroked his beard and said, "I heard that you and Qing'er learned eight-part essays. You two are destined to be together. Her nickname is 'Qing'er, and you named her 'Qing'."

Xu Qing knew that it was Zhou Tixue who was calling on him. He should not forget how he got the title of Sanyuan scholar and should not be an ungrateful person.

"Uncle" also has good intentions.

Xu Qing: "She did learn eight-part essays from the young master. If she were a man, she would definitely pass the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi."

"Sir" is a respectful term and can be used by both men and women.

Xu Qing's respect was a guarantee to Zhou Tixue.

It really takes a lot of brainpower to watch the big and small foxes chatting.

But if you say some things too bluntly, it will make you look tasteless and easily give you room for criticism.

This is also the trend passed down from above.

The current emperor is known as the number one riddle solver in Dayu.

The decrees were always shrouded in mystery, leaving the people to guess. This way, if things were not done well, His Majesty would not have to take the blame.

Therefore, the first skill of many officials of the Dayu Dynasty was to pass the buck.

The current Governor of Nanzhili, Li Wendi, has mastered the skill of shaking off the pot to dissipate energy to the highest level, and his nickname is "not even a fly or insect can touch it, not even a feather can fall on it."

Of course, I heard that he is also a master of Tai Chi, and his major among the Five Classics is the Book of Changes, so he and Xu Qing are of the same kind.

However, because he was good at passing the buck, the official atmosphere in Southern Zhili became increasingly corrupt.

Zhou Tixue: "Qing'er's eight-part essay is good at technique, but lacks the solidity of the great principles. This is a common problem among girls, and they are easily petty. Your writing skills are sufficient, and now you need to improve on the great principles. I have someone to recommend to you. He happens to live in Jiangning Prefecture. Take my handwritten letter and go to him to ask for advice."

"Yes." Xu Qing first responded, and then asked: "Who is this senior?"

"A native of Wuzhong County, Jiangning, Li Feng, courtesy name Anguo."

"Is Li Anguo okay?" Xu Qing muttered in his heart, searching his memory, and asked curiously: "Uncle, I haven't heard of this Li surnamed Juren or Jinshi in this prefecture."

Zhou Tixue coughed and said, "What are Juren and Jinshi? They are just like you, they are all scholars."

Wuzhong County is close to the sea and far from Qingshui County, so Xu Qing didn't know much about Wuzhong County. So as an old scholar, he really didn't understand it.

And it seems that the other party is not very famous.

"No wonder I don't know. Since my uncle asked me to ask for advice, I think Mr. Li must have extraordinary knowledge. I will ask for advice with an open mind."

Zhou Tixue nodded and said, "Li Anguo has recently moved to the city, not far from your home. When you find him, you must be open-minded and ask for his advice. Don't think that you are some kind of junior high school and be indifferent."

"My nephew will remember this." Xu Qing knew that Zhou Tixue would definitely not recommend a scholar to be his teacher for no reason. It seemed that this scholar, in addition to having real talents and knowledge, must have some unknown connections.

Zhou Tixue seemed still unsure, "You must be respectful."

"only."

Zhou Tixue also inquired about Xu Qing's daily behavior and knew that Xu Qing was always gentle and kind. He reminded him again and again, thinking that Xu Qing would understand his painstaking efforts and would not lose his manners. Therefore, he was relieved and said, "You don't have to be too polite. In short, a gentleman treats others consistently. I believe you can do this."

"Thank you for your teachings, uncle."

Zhou Tixue smiled and said, "I am still at ease with you doing things. You can go with me tonight to attend a banquet. Inspector Wu will be there too. You can return to Jiangning Prefecture early tomorrow morning."

Although he was angry that Wu Xun'an gave Xu Qing a name, he had to admit that with the relationship between Xu Qing and Wu Xun'an, he and Wu Xun'an could form an alliance and cooperate with each other.

This is also one of the main reasons why Zhou Tixue values ​​Xu Qing.

(End of this chapter)