Watching Cheng Mo flawlessly repeat the explanation of the simplified 24-style Tai Chi that Bei had just taught, Cheng Zhong felt extremely pleased and proud. His young master was truly a martial arts genius, highly regarded by the old lord even more than his own grandson. After just a brief observation, Cheng Mo perfectly reproduced each move and posture, exuding an imposing aura typical of seasoned martial artists during combat.
"Cheng Tian, go to the back of the house!" Cheng Zhong seized the opportunity to appear behind the small bamboo house. This area, larger than the platform connecting to the riverside walkway, became the stage for the unfolding spectacle. Two figures engaged in combat, their interactions creating a storm of energy. The surrounding sugarcane swayed and bent as the airflow intensified until it finally settled. Both sides stood facing each other in silence, including Cheng Zhong, who had been watching, and the three of them shared an expression of incredulous astonishment.
"Cheng Zhong, did you confirm that she had no internal strength when you checked her pulse that day?" Cheng Mo inquired.
"I can guarantee that," Cheng Zhong replied.
"This martial art is too profound, gathering and concealing internal energy, a continuous flow that seems endless. It's not just about improving martial arts skills; it can rapidly enhance internal strength in a short period. If this falls into the wrong hands, it poses a great danger," Cheng Mo explained. While saying this, a momentary glint of coldness flickered in his eyes but quickly disappeared.
Cheng Zhong, sensing Cheng Mo's urgency and protective intent, quickly intervened, "Miss Tong only sees it as a simple exercise for health. She probably isn't aware of the true capabilities of this martial art. I'll talk to her and suggest not teaching it to others."
Hearing Cheng Zhong's concern, Cheng Mo, without dwelling on it much, just said, "Let's go meet her."
"Miss Tong, getting ready for something? We're about to set sail," Cheng Zhong greeted as he approached.
"Good morning, Cheng Zhong! I'm organizing the herbs and provisions; they can be sold when we enter the town tomorrow. You're welcome to try some," Bei replied, lifting her head from the row of straw baskets. She gave Cheng Zhong a cheerful and innocent smile, and when she noticed Cheng Mo standing tall and handsome behind him, her eyes momentarily sparkled with surprise.
"Hi there, good morning!" she exclaimed. Bei's bewildered response to Cheng Mo's greeting added to her delight, and she continued with a bright smile, "I'm Tong Xiangbei. Yesterday, I got lost and fell asleep, and Cheng Zhong rescued me onto the boat. They say we'll be back in Zebei Town in a day. I've prepared some extra food; come and join me."
"Sure. I'm Cheng Mo."
Bei, muttering something about sparing words, made light of the situation, compacting her lips a bit while maintaining a good mood. Despite Cheng Mo being taciturn, he was quite pleasing to the eye. Standing at over 1.8 meters, the silver-white long robe with a purple jade belt tied around his waist formed an upside-down triangle, accentuating his slender and elegant figure. His fair hair was neatly tied behind his head with a silver crown and jade hairpin, appearing meticulously groomed. With a prominent nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and a tightly pursed mouth, he presented a handsome and sculpted face with a slightly stern expression, adding a three-dimensional beauty to his Euro-Asian features.
In Bei's mind, an image flashed of another muscular and well-defined face with a full forehead that she vaguely saw before drifting into sleep. Well, well, those occasional mentions in the time-travel novels weren't entirely wrong – the ancient times truly produced a surplus of handsome men.