After the traditional Chinese massage, the patient's back was all red.
"Ah, it feels much better!" The old man moved around and stood up. "My back isn't hurting anymore."
"Let me apply another medicinal plaster. It will enhance the effect," Zhao Zhiyuan suggested.
"Okay." The man nodded.
After the massage, the blood circulation in the back and waist area increased. Applying the plaster at this time would facilitate the absorption of the medicinal effect.
When the patient left, he smiled happily. He was glad because his pain was gone. After going home today, he could sleep soundly.
Wang An was also happy because his experience in traditional Chinese massage had increased. Besides, he had gained new insights.
His understanding of the meridians and acupoints had progressed.
"You did well. I think you have a talent for traditional Chinese massage," said Zhao Zhiyuan in praise after treating the patient.
"There are some similarities between martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine."
Wang An benefited a lot from learning about meridians and acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine. When he practiced Tai Chi and Five Animal Forms afterward, he made some new discoveries.
In the afternoon, Li Xinzhu arrived early. Originally, they were supposed to have lunch together with Zhao Zhiyuan, but he made an excuse and declined. Only Wang An and Li Xinzhu went out for lunch.
Li Xinzhu drove around and found a restaurant. He had reserved a private room.
"Order whatever you like."
Wang An smiled and ordered two vegetarian dishes.
"You always eat vegetables. I don't know what you're even thinking." Li Xinzhu ordered two meat dishes and a bottle of white wine.
The dishes arrived shortly after.
Li Xinzhu opened the wine bottle and poured himself a glass. Then, he was about to pour one for Wang An.
"I don't drink."
"You don't smoke. You don't drink. You aren't a romantic. You're missing out in life!" Li Xinzhu shook his head and took a sip of the wine. "This wine is good!"
"My second senior went to investigate the truth behind the third senior's death. He has two classmates at the Hucheng City Security Bureau. After the investigation, he has found some clues. That person was looking for something."
Li Xinzhu frowned. He felt that his master seemed to know more.
"I'm not satisfied. I plan to go to Hucheng City again." Li Xinzhu downed the contents of his glass.
"Your master might be stopping you for your own good. The person who injured your second senior is an expert. If you run into him, it could be dangerous."
"I've thought about this. I've already purchased a soft armor online. The kind that can resist stabs."
"Soft armor? Is that reliable? What if he attacks your neck or head?"
"I'll have to accept that. After all, there's no perfect defense in the world," Li Xinzhu said.
"You should think carefully. Don't be reckless."
As far as Wang An knew, Li Xinzhu was not suitable for this kind of investigation because he was always a bit impulsive.
In less than twenty minutes, Li Xinzhu had finished a bottle of white wine and was starting to feel a bit drunk.
"Why are you practicing martial arts?"
"I started practicing Tai Chi initially to exercise and strengthen my physique."
"And now? Your physique is already as strong as a bull. You don't need to continue practicing. Why do you practice every day?" Li Xinzhu hiccuped.
"I want to see how far I can push myself."
"At Tai Chi?"
"Not just Tai Chi." Wang An smiled.
Tai Chi, Five Animal Forms, and even Vajra Dhyana Palm. He wanted to continue practicing and see what results he could achieve at the advanced level.
It was like climbing a mountain. Once he reached the peak and saw the beautiful scenery, he would realize that there were even higher mountains and more beautiful landscapes. By then, he could not help but want to go and see more.
"I'm different from you. I practice martial arts to show off. When I walk on the street, no one dares to provoke me. No one dares to harass me. Of course, I don't harass others either."
Wang An nodded. Many martial artists had similar thoughts.
"When I was in junior high, I was as thin as a bean sprout and was often bullied at school. I started practicing by myself and followed the techniques in the movies. Running, push-ups, boxing… I practiced every day. By the time I was in the third year of junior high, I beat up everyone who bullied me," Li Xinzhu said excitedly. With a wave of his hand, he swept the wine bottle into the air.
Wang An was quick to react. He stood up and caught the flying bottle and placed it back on the table.
"Now, my senior has been killed, but my master won't let me investigate. I'm not satisfied with this. What if it happens to me one day? Why is that person's technique so evil?"
"Perhaps they have a unique cultivation method."
"Do you think that person may have developed inner strength?"
"Inner strength? What kind of inner strength?" Wang An was puzzled.
"It's like in novels and movies. Techniques like the Great Strength Vajra Finger can leave fingerprints on metal. When used against a person, it can instantly break bones and kill a person."
"That's all fictional. Have you ever seen anyone with such ability in real life?"
"Ah… Anyway, my second senior mentioned it, and it sounded quite mysterious." Li Xinzhu sighed.
After dinner, Wang An drove Li Xinzhu back to his place, then rode his bicycle back home.
It was already dark, and the wind was strong.
The lights were dim, and there were only a few pedestrians on the road.
"Stop!"
A voice suddenly rang out, and a person rushed out from a nearby alley. He was holding a knife.
"Lend us some money. Hurry up!"
Then, two more people emerged from behind Wang An. One was holding a stick, and the other, an ax.
"Don't shout or scream. Money is temporary, but you have only one life."
"Is it just the three of you?" Wang An glanced at them.
"What do you mean?" The man in front of him was taken aback.
Wang An parked his bicycle to the side.
Suddenly, he pushed off with both feet, shot out like an arrow, and charged toward the young man with the knife.
"F*ck!" The man was stunned.
Wang An's reaction exceeded his expectations.
"Do you want to die?!"
The man's hand trembled. He was panicking.
Had just wanted to make some extra income and did not intend to actually use his knife on anyone.
In the moment of his hesitation, Wang An had already reached him.
Wang An elbowed the man.
The man felt like he was hit by a car. He lost control and flew backward. He landed after skidding back for about three meters.
With a clang, the knife fell to the ground.
He was completely bewildered. Then, he felt intense pain in his chest and back.
The remaining two were stunned. Then, they turned and ran.
Wang An caught up to them in a few steps. He ran in front of them and blocked their path.
"Why are you running?"
"Sir, we were wrong. Please spare us."
"We shouldn't have done something illegal."