As his words fell, Lu Zheng stepped forward.
“Let him bleed!” the leader barked, charging straight at him.
Lu Zheng’s eyes glinted, feinting left as the leader shifted his weight, then swiftly darting right.
Thrust! Flick! Strike!
*Crack!*
A peach branch lashed across the face of the man on the right.
“Argh!”
A side kick followed, sending the man tumbling like a rolling gourd, groaning and unable to rise.
“Tough guy!”
One move revealed a master. Despite their readiness and attempt to gang up, Lu Zheng had taken one out in two moves.
This was no mere street brawl.
Street thugs had many flaws, but one virtue stood out: they knew when to back down. When outmatched, they’d admit defeat without hesitation.
Lu Zheng turned to see the other two halt, faces grim, retreating slowly.
Just as he thought they might circle for another attack, they spun around and fled without a backward glance, abandoning their friend without even a parting threat.
Lu Zheng: ┐(´-｀)┌
I just boosted my sabre skills for a big fight, and it’s all for nothing?
“Wow, Big Brother Lu, you’re amazing!” Liu Qingquan popped out from behind her sister, eyes sparkling with admiration.
“I never imagined Master Lu had such skill,” Shen Ying said, her gaze thoughtful.
Liu Qingyan said nothing, only smiling softly, her eyes bright.
Lu Zheng, branch in hand, strolled to the third man, still writhing on the ground.
“Sir! Sir! I was wrong, I won’t do it again, please let me go like I’m nothing!” the man pleaded, curled up, not daring to stand.
Lu Zheng tilted his head, signaling him to leave.
“Thank you, sir! Thank you!” The man scrambled up and bolted, vanishing in moments.
…
“Meeting is fate, and I feel an instant bond with you, dear sister. It’s nearly noon, why not come to my home for a meal?” Shen Ying offered.
Liu Qingyan glanced at Lu Zheng, “Is that convenient?”
“Not at all,” Shen Ying nodded. “My household is small, just two old servants and a maid.”
“But we bought peach blossom pastries,” Liu Qingquan piped up.
“I have those at home, delicious ones, plus peach preserves and sweet peach juice.”
“Let’s go!” Liu Qingquan nodded eagerly, like a pecking chick.
They followed Shen Ying deeper into Peach Blossom Plain. After less than two miles, a manor came into view, faintly visible.
“Miss is back!” an old servant opened the gate, glancing curiously at Lu Zheng but asking no questions, ushering them in.
“Wow, what a huge peach tree!” Lu Zheng exclaimed, spotting a massive tree in the front courtyard, requiring two people to encircle it.
Its canopy spread like a cloud, shading the entire yard, dotted with pink blossoms, a breathtaking sight.
“This tree is why this place is called Peach Blossom Manor,” Shen Ying explained, then instructed the servant, “We have guests today, prepare some peach blossom dishes.”
“Right away!” The servant nodded, hurrying off.
…
In the front hall, they sat around a round table laden with exquisite, fragrant dishes and sweets.
As they ate and chatted, Lu Zheng learned Shen Ying’s husband had passed early, and she’d returned home. With her parents also gone, she lived alone in the manor with only two old servants and a maid.
She didn’t share more, and Lu Zheng and the others didn’t pry.
“Master Lu, your moves were sharp, surpassing most martial artists, yet you relied solely on physical strength, with no surge of vital energy,” Shen Ying said curiously. “Do you disdain using it, or have you not trained in martial arts?”
Lu Zheng: (⊙o⊙)
Cursing inwardly but calm outwardly, he nodded ruefully, “I’ve always admired those high-flying heroes, but I’ve never had the chance to learn their ways. My sabre skills are just self-taught.”
Shen Ying’s almond eyes widened, her chopsticks pausing mid-air, clearly surprised. “You truly haven’t studied martial arts? And you call this agility self-taught?”
“Embarrassing, I know,” Lu Zheng said.
Shen Ying set down her chopsticks, serious, “With your talent, if you trained in vital energy techniques, you’d surely excel, perhaps becoming a hero to rival nobles.”
“You flatter me. Who’s to say I’m suited for martial arts? Besides, I can handle myself well enough, three or five ordinary men can’t touch me.”
“You never know, bandits or night raiders might include martial artists. Your skill and physique are impressive, but they’d struggle against a martial artist’s vital energy,” Shen Ying countered. “Plus, your confidence and skill make you more likely to encounter martial artists, which could be dangerous.”
Lu Zheng chuckled, “If fate doesn’t grant the opportunity, what can I do? Forcing it only brings trouble. Besides, I’m cautious and rarely act.”
“Such a fine mindset,” Shen Ying nodded, standing. “Please wait a moment, Master Lu.”
As she stepped into the back hall, Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan exchanged a glance.
“Could it be…” Lu Zheng whispered.
Liu Qingyan nodded, a spark of excitement in her eyes. “Possibly, congratulations, Master Lu.”
“Isn’t this a bit sudden?”
“If Sister Shen means it, just accept it,” Liu Qingyan encouraged.
“Yum!” Liu Qingquan bit into half a peach blossom pastry. “So tasty!”
Lu Zheng smiled, and Liu Qingyan blushed, looking away.
Footsteps approached as Shen Ying returned, holding a book.
“This is a martial arts manual my father acquired years ago, but his talent was limited, and he achieved little,” Shen Ying said, offering it to Lu Zheng. “Meeting is fate, so I gift this to you, Master Lu.”
Lu Zheng stood, waving his hands, “This is too valuable, I can’t accept such a grand gift without merit.”
Shen Ying’s lips curved into a smile, “Take it, Master Lu. This manual only has value in your hands. Should it gather dust in mine?”
“Sister Shen’s kindness, Master Lu, just accept it. We’ll visit her often to keep her company,” Liu Qingyan added.
“Exactly!”
“Thank you, Madam Shen, I’ll accept it then,” Lu Zheng said, taking the book with both hands, his eyes immediately drawn to the cover.
*The Eighteen Forms of Mountain Bearing*.
