Chapter 5: Martial Arts of the Three Kingdoms Period

  Li Chong kept pacing back and forth around the wolf skin, his mind racing with thoughts, he didn't even know when he fell asleep, but was suddenly awakened by a loud noise.

  As soon as he opened his eyes, Liao Hua and others had already gotten up to pack their things. However, Guan Hai was nowhere to be seen. A loud shout came from outside the door, probably Guan Hai practicing martial arts. Li Chongli immediately became spirited, he was too interested in martial arts during this period, and hurriedly got up to open the door and take a look.

  Outside the gate, Guan Hai was dancing with a long spear. Li Chong carefully observed that Guan Hai's moves were very simple, mainly just thrusting and sweeping, occasionally shaking out a spear flower.

  But Guan Hai's speed and power made Li's scalp numb, every time Guan Hai swept his long spear, it emitted a whirring sound that broke the air. If he slightly approached the ground, he immediately kicked up a large pile of snow. Sweeping at people would definitely result in broken bones and tendons. The spear thrust was even more like a thunderbolt, producing a sharp "hiss" sound.

  Li Chong secretly estimated that if he and Guan Hai took action, they would probably be unable to withstand even one or two moves.

  Li Chong knew that Guan Hai's martial arts were not top-notch in the Three Kingdoms period. Not to mention Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun, even Taishi Ci from Donglai was definitely stronger than Guan Hai. Let alone the great killer Lv Bu. Li Chong didn't know how strong these fierce men were, but he thought that they could easily kill him without any discussion.

  Guan Hai's movements became faster and more powerful, the snow on the ground was stirred up and no longer fell to the ground, it began to swirl around Guan Hai in a gun-like motion, gradually wrapping him inside.

  Li Chong narrowed his eyes to watch carefully, Guan Hai's shouting grew more urgent, suddenly the gun-style dance became frantic, and he let out a loud roar. Li Chong clearly saw a burst of hot air shoot out from Guan Hai's mouth, which instantly turned into visible waves that pushed the snowflakes swirling in the air outward layer by layer. At the same time, Guan Hai's clothes puffed out violently, and Li Chong knew this was the shockwave produced by Guan Hai mobilizing all his muscles and bones.

  Guan Hai stood still, adjusting his breathing, with only a few snowflakes visible on him.

  "A fly's wings cannot be added to the body." A sentence from the Fist Classic appeared in Li Chong's mind. This sentence was often spoken by his grandfather, who said that a person could use the power of vibration to kill flies, which is called "Hua Jin" in martial arts, meaning smooth and effortless. Those who can practice to this level are all world-renowned great martial artists.

  Li Chong had never seen a martial artist or boxing master in this state, and although Guan Hai was not yet at this level, Li Chong felt that he was already close to it.

  Fist techniques and martial arts are not necessarily stronger the further back in time they go. In fact, the peak of Chinese fist techniques was during the late Qing dynasty and the Republican era, when revolutionaries led by Sun Yat-sen repeatedly assassinated high-ranking Qing officials, including princes. Many relied on the help of people from the martial arts world. Later, after the establishment of the Republic of China, Japan invaded China, and to strengthen the country and the nation, Sun Yat-sen, Feng Yuxiang, and others strongly promoted martial arts. The government established the Central National Arts Institute, which brought together various schools and styles of martial arts, such as Xingyiquan, Taiji, Baguazhang, Tongbeiquan, Praying Mantis, Bajiquan, Piguaquan, Hongquan, Tielinmen, Piguazhang, Dantui, Shuaijiao, and many others. These were unified under the name "National Arts" with the aim of defending the country and protecting the home.

  That era was a time of great talent, and it can be said that the precarious national situation pushed the spiritual realm of martial artists to an unparalleled peak.

  But unfortunately, this is also the era of martial arts' decline, and fist techniques are ultimately no match for guns.

  Guan Hai's martial arts concept is absolutely not as developed as the martial arts concept of the Republic of China era, it can be said that there is a difference of one level. However, under such circumstances, Guan Hai can still cultivate his fist method and martial arts to the point where they are close to being on the surface, which makes Li Chong's heart feel envious, this is a matter of innate talent, and has nothing to do with effort.

  Li Chong's heart moved at this thought, his legs spread apart, and he squatted down into a standard horse stance.

  Rise and fall, crouching like a running horse, empty top shape spirit open, this is the key to the horse stance. Although Li Chong said he couldn't do it to this point, his posture was absolutely standard. The old man's stick was the most standard textbook.

  After Guan Yu finished practicing his martial arts, he saw Li Rong's posture and watched with interest for a moment before suddenly saying: "Zi Huan is indeed connected to the martial arts. Although I don't understand it, I also find this method extremely... profound!"

  Li Chong almost shed tears, looking at others' natural talent and then at himself.

  "This is called Ma Bu, a fundamental exercise for fist techniques. The key is to rise and fall, crouch down like a running horse, with an empty top and open spirit shape. My grandfather taught me!" Li Chong did not hide anything, explaining the essentials of Ma Bu in detail. In this regard, Li Chong's heart was broad, all are treasures of the Chinese nation, Guan Hai is also a descendant of Yan Huang, so it doesn't count as an outsider's transmission."

  "With movements like a galloping horse, and an empty top that opens up the spirit, being able to say these two sentences is truly a remarkable feat for Grandfather." Guan Hai couldn't help but savor the meaning of these two sentences, and he couldn't help but praise them repeatedly.

  "But since it's a horse step, is it most effective when riding on a horse?" Guan Hai asked curiously.

  Gan Hai's words were like a thunderclap in Li Chong's mind, and he felt his heart racing with excitement. Ah! Since it was the Horse Step, why not practice riding on horseback? In modern times, Li Chong didn't have this opportunity, but now that he was in the Three Kingdoms era, was this still a problem? The Horse Step could be practiced on horseback to get a feel for it, and the Three-Body Stance and Bow-and-Arrow Step could be practiced by drawing the bow and shooting arrows personally. He really was stupid to death.

  Li Chong also stopped practicing, and immediately clasped his fists in gratitude: "Thank you, Brother Guan, for reminding me. Your words have truly awakened me from my dreamlike state. Once I achieve the desired effect through practice, I will certainly share my experiences with you in detail, and perhaps even lend a helping hand to elevate your own martial arts skills to new heights."

  Guan Hai immediately declined, saying: "This is not necessary, the martial arts that Zi Hui's grandfather learned are too profound and must have been taught by an immortal, they are extremely precious. I am not worthy of learning them privately, and I dare not be careless about heavenly taboos."

  "Feudal superstition!" Li Zhong just wanted to curse, but he quickly shut his mouth. His own transmigration might be the work of that immortal's hand, so he couldn't speak carelessly.

  Guan Yu said fiercely: "I've been practicing diligently, and if my martial arts skills improve a bit more, I reckon I can match up to Taishi Ci. Last time we fought, I almost lost my life, but this time I definitely... Hmph!"

  Li Chong couldn't help but secretly laugh at Guan Hai's words, which sounded like the complaints of a gambler who had lost his shirt. Li Chong calculated that Taishi Ci was 24 years old this year, while Guan Hai was 28 years old. In terms of martial arts or age, Guan Hai would never have the chance to win against Taishi Ci in his lifetime. Li Chong was also very interested in Taishi Ci, who was a formidable general in the Three Kingdoms period. When he heard Guan Hai mention him, he immediately asked: "What's Taishi Ci's martial arts like?"

  Guan Yu was reluctant to mention Taishi Ci, and said somewhat sulkily: "In terms of martial arts, we are evenly matched, but his physical strength is better than mine, so I am not his match in a prolonged battle."

  "Ah!" Li Chong understood that Taishi Ci's martial arts skills should be slightly stronger than those of Guan Yu, but his physical strength should far surpass that of Guan Yu.

  "Tai Shi Zi indeed has high martial arts skills, can be called a thousand enemies." Guan Hai said with some envy.

  "What does 'thousand people enemy' mean?" Li Chong asked in doubt.

  "Qianren di's meaning is that even if one wears armor and rides a horse with guns among thousands of soldiers, they may still be able to protect their life."

  Li Chong suddenly remembered that in Chen Shou's "Records of the Three Kingdoms", Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were described as being able to withstand an enemy of 10,000 people. Thinking of this, Li Chong couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. This was clearly saying that Guan Yu and Zhang Fei could preserve their lives in the midst of a vast army. What a joke, this was obviously a Superman wearing his underwear inside out.

  Li Chong couldn't help but exclaim in surprise: "A force capable of resisting a thousand enemies, how is this possible?"

  Guan Hai smiled and said, "How can there be a powerful enemy of a thousand people? A thousand enemies are just referring to the possibility of escape in a disorganized military formation. If the formation is not chaotic, dozens of well-trained soldiers can make a general die."

  The two of them chatted for half a day, and Liao Hua and others had already packed up and were about to come ask for directions.

  Li Chong thought for a moment and replied: "The most urgent thing to do now is to first exchange the silver money in the mountain stronghold for grain, salt, and iron, in preparation for unexpected needs. Secondly, go to Donglai County to gather information. What do you two think?"

  Guan Hai smiled and said, "Next time I go to the mountain stronghold to buy grain, salt, and iron, Yuan Jue will escort you to Donglai County. However, if you want to change your clothes, I don't want to have to rush to Donglai to save you."

  Li Chong patted his chest and sighed: "I don't have any clothes to change into, all my family's belongings are here."

  Liao Hua smiled and said, "This is easy to do. The other day I hunted a fierce tiger and was planning to make a leather cloak for myself with its skin. It just so happens that I have it on me, and I can give it to Big Brother Li."

  "Wow! A first-class protected animal!" Li Chong didn't think he would have such good luck, haha... I can also wear sable now. Li Chong took off his costume and suddenly found that he still had a few one-yuan coins. He handed one to Liao Hua and said: "I won't take advantage of you, it's paid for, no need for change."

  Liao Hua took the coin, rubbed it incredulously a couple of times, and held it up in front of his eyes, exclaiming: "This is something that's only available in heaven! It's still shining, and it's worth a thousand pieces of gold! There's not another one like this in the whole Han Dynasty!"

  "That's for sure!" Li Chong nodded with great confidence, thinking that the currency of the Three Kingdoms period would be worth thousands of dollars in later generations, and this business was indeed a million-dollar profit.

  Liao Huaile's nonsensical words: "I've become rich, haha... Brother Li is really generous."

  The thieves beside them drooled, staring at the coins in Liao Hua's hand with greedy and envious eyes.

  Liao Huazheng shouted loudly, and Guan Hai quickly snatched the coin away, saying very seriously: "Zi Hui, Yuan Jue is still young, how can he be given such a valuable thing? I'll help him keep it for now!"

  Liao Hua did not dare to fight with Guan Yu for it and loudly said, "This is a reward given by our lord, how can you take it?"

  "He's still not the master now!"

  Liao Hua immediately turned to Li Chong, shouting "Master, Master", Li Chong hastily lowered his head pretending not to hear. Under Liao Hua's resentful gaze, several people rushed towards Donglai County.

  Riding on the war horse, Li Zhongcai discovered a surprising problem. Later generations generally believed that stirrups appeared during the Western Jin period, but people's judgment was obviously wrong, and the appearance of stirrups had been advanced by hundreds of years.

  In archaeology, it is actually quite simple to determine that an object appeared in a certain period of time, as long as there are artifacts unearthed. However, determining that no objects existed is much more difficult and often leads to incorrect judgments, Li was clearly misled by incorrect historical records.

  Li Chong was heavily defeated and he still wanted to rely on his cavalry to establish a super cavalry, now it seems hopeless.

  Li Chong slandered the professor for being irresponsible and talking nonsense, time flew by quickly, and before he knew it, Donglai County appeared before his eyes. This was Li Chong's first time seeing an ancient city wall, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.

  The city wall of Donglai County is over one zhang high, all built with bluestone, and the project is extremely large, obviously ancient Qingzhou was very rich. When he arrived at the city gate, Li Chong found that there were also dark brown bloodstains on the city wall, indicating that Donglai County did not escape the harm of war either.

  The soldiers guarding the city gate were leaning lazily against the city wall, and military discipline was very lax. The two of them entered the city without being questioned at all, which made Li Chong's prepared words useless.