Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies
Chapter 61 - 60: Sparring with Li Linfeng, Learning Fighting Techniques

As he entered, Shen Qing saw a burly figure and instinctively paused his steps, lowering his head respectfully and calling out, "Uncle."

The light in the room was dim, with only a few weak beams of sunlight streaming in through the half-open window, casting mottled reflections on the rough wooden furniture.

His aunt Shen Xiu, who had miscarried more than ten days ago, lay on the bed. Her face was as pale as paper, her eyes devoid of spirit, and her body appeared exceptionally frail.

The Hall Master of Linfeng Hall, Li Linfeng, sat by the bedside. He nodded in acknowledgment when he heard Shen Qing's greeting but said nothing more.

A stifling and indescribable tension filled the air.

The room was so quiet that only the weak breathing of Aunt Shen Xiu could be heard.

Li Linfeng instructed the maid, Dongxue, "The water in the copper basin has cooled. Go and get a warmer batch."

"Yes, Master."

Only after Dongxue left with the basin and a few blood-stained cloths did Shen Qing slowly step forward.

Aunt Shen Xiu noticed Shen Qing and turned slightly to ask, "When did Qingzi come to the city?"

Shen Qing placed what he had brought beside the bed and said, "I've been here for a while since this morning. When I heard about Aunt's situation, I came over to check."

"Qingzi is thoughtful."

Shen Qing moved softly to the bed's edge, his eyes full of concern, and gently asked, "Aunt, how are you feeling? Would you like me to get you some water?"

As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly and, seeing Shen Xiu's attempt to sit up, hurriedly moved forward, naturally making a gesture to assist.

With Shen Qing's support, Aunt Shen Xiu reluctantly sat up, her eyes filled with fatigue and sorrow.

She gently waved her hand, her voice hoarse and weak, "I'm fine, Qingzi, don't worry."

Shen Qing asked, "What exactly happened?"

Aunt Shen Xiu parted her lips slightly, trying to say something but ultimately only shook her head weakly, "It's nothing."

Seeing that his aunt didn't wish to speak, and with Uncle Li Linfeng also present, Shen Qing refrained from saying more.

After a while, he spoke again in as gentle and calm a tone as possible, "Aunt, I know you must be feeling down, but what's done is done, and overthinking won't help. I came in a rush and didn't bring much, so I just bought a few things for Aunt to help recover. The days ahead are long; things will get better."

After feeling the concern from her family after so many years, Aunt Shen Xiu's eyes reddened, and she forced a bitter smile, "Qingzi, thank you. I… just need some time…"

Shen Qing, not experienced in dealing with such matters, offered some simple words of concern amidst the oppressive atmosphere in the room.

As he was about to leave, Uncle Li Linfeng, who had been mostly silent, looked at Shen Qing and asked, "Are you currently learning movement techniques?"

Shen Qing cupped his fists and bowed, "Yes."

"How far have you gotten?"

Shen Qing, without hiding anything, truthfully replied, "I've finished learning the Five Person Stance's movement technique."

"Hmm?" Li Linfeng's expression was exceptionally surprised. He quickly contained his surprise and calmly said, "Come with me."

"Yes."

Uncle Li Linfeng walked out with both hands behind his back, and Shen Qing nodded towards Aunt Shen Xiu before following him out quickly.

Outside, the sun shone brightly.

The courtyard outside the room was silent.

After walking for a while, Linfeng stopped and turned to stand facing Shen Qing.

Li Linfeng's clothing fluttered lightly in the breeze as he stood still.

Without any forewarning, Li Linfeng's eyes suddenly turned sharp. He exerted force with his foot, and his figure shot towards Shen Qing like a ghost.

The speed was incredibly fast.

To Shen Qing, it seemed like a beast charging directly at him, leaving him no time to react.

Li Linfeng's palm swiped sharply, sending a swift and fierce stream of air rushing toward Shen Qing.

Shen Qing's pupils contracted, sensing the terrifying power contained in that stream of air.

Not daring to be careless, he immediately mobilized all his strength in an attempt to dodge Li Linfeng's attack.

However, the speed of Li Linfeng's attack was too fast, and its power too strong. Despite Shen Qing's best efforts to evade, he was still grazed by the stream of air.

He felt a tremendous force hit him, instantly losing his balance and staggering back several steps, barely stabilizing himself using the movement technique he had just learned.

Shen Qing was shocked. He hadn't expected Li Linfeng's casual strike to be so terrifying.

Looking up at Li Linfeng, he saw him standing there with a calm demeanor as if the recent attack was nothing more than a casual swing.

Li Linfeng, observing Shen Qing's disheveled state, chuckled and thoughtfully said, "Your reaction speed is quite good, and your stance is stable."

With a slight motion of his foot, he shifted to appear before Shen Qing.

Li Linfeng placed his two fingers together, aiming toward Shen Qing's face, then deliberately shifted a few inches to make a sweeping move instead of a poke.

Seeing this, Shen Qing was inwardly startled, immediately understanding Li Linfeng's intention.

With little time to think, countless movements seemed etched into his muscles, forming a memory of sorts. He instinctively dodged and barely blocked Li Linfeng's sweep.

This brought a hint of pleasure to the corners of Li Linfeng's eyes.

He truly had mastered it.

Afterward, Li Linfeng deliberately held back most of his strength, continually attacking with only one arm and two fingers, yet making Shen Qing struggle.

Even employing all the movement techniques he had just learned, Shen Qing could only barely cope with Li Linfeng's assaults.

As if intentionally guiding him, under Li Linfeng's direction, Shen Qing gradually adapted to the attack rhythm, utilizing all the movement techniques from the Two Person to Five Person Stances.

When utilizing them, he didn't merely stick to the routine but seamlessly integrated each move, dismantling them as they came.

Every move happened almost like a reflex in an instant.

Once everything was tested, Li Linfeng ceased his attacks. Watching Shen Qing, he looked increasingly satisfied and pleased.

He hadn't misjudged him that day.

Having studied martial arts for barely twenty days and stayed at the Martial Arts Hall for only a few days, he had mastered this set of movement techniques and applied them effectively, proving his extraordinary talent.

He truly was a natural martial talent.

Hearing about his aunt's miscarriage, he immediately visited and brought over a large amount of nourishing items.

Though these things might not mean much in terms of his assets, Li Linfeng understood that Shen Qing's parents had passed away early, and he had been supporting himself alone by hunting. How much could he save?

To him, today's gift was a significant expenditure.

The difference between someone with a hundred giving ten and someone with ten giving eight was evident to Li Linfeng, reflecting Shen Qing's good character.

Given this, Li Linfeng felt he could personally offer some guidance.

Just as the storm clouds gathered, it would be beneficial to add more strength to Linfeng Hall.

He looked at Shen Qing and said, "You've trained well, though your moves are a bit disorganized. Martial Arts are all about pushing boundaries. Starting tomorrow, come find me every morning, and I'll teach you some fighting methods."

Learning fighting methods?

A dream come true.

Shen Qing's face lit up with surprise and joy, quickly cupping his fists and saying, "Thank you, Uncle."