Qiao Zai Shui was meant to repay Luo Yang, but Luo Yang refused.
"Although I am short of money, I have not yet resorted to this. Keep it for now. When I truly need it, I will ask you for it. You really are a friend," Qiao Zai Shui said with a smile.
"It's fine if you just leave it," Luo Yang said generously.
"No. Better you keep it."
As she spoke, Qiao Zai Shui tried to stuff the money into Luo Yang's hand.
The two pushed and shoved back and forth.
"I'm serious. Take it, and I'll ask you for it when I need it," Qiao Zai Shui stuffed the money into Luo Yang's pocket.
She and her sister had both taken Luo Yang as their master.
However, the sisters hadn't received any guidance from Luo Yang yet, they only had a rough idea how to perform the Horse Stance.
Having recently fallen out with Wang Yunxiong, she worried he would continue to send people to cause trouble.
In the past few incidents, Luo Yang had arrived just in time to prevent Shuang Qiao from being attacked.
But things were different now; if Wang Yunxiong sent people again, they'd probably start by beating up Shuang Qiao before even talking.
Qiao Zai Shui was eager to learn some self-defense techniques soon, so she could protect herself against villains.
"Shadow Fist, given my situation, could you possibly teach me a few powerful martial arts techniques?" Qiao Zai Shui cut right to the chase.
This made Luo Yang very uncomfortable.
Qiao Zai Shui's physical condition was below par; even if she was told the essence of Shadow Fist, she wouldn't be able to understand it.
Martial arts require a foundation, which is a strong physical condition.
If one's physique is poor, techniques are useless.
Fancy but ineffective moves may look beautiful, but they are often of no practical use.
Actual combat doesn't allow for the slightest falsehood.
Punch for punch, techniques only serve a certain role in offense and defense.
In front of absolute strength, no matter how elaborate the technique, one could still be knocked out with one punch.
Luo Yang was quite familiar with Qiao Zai Shui's physical abilities. Her lack of strength meant that even if she learned techniques, she couldn't bring out their intended effect.
If he spoke bluntly, it would only lead to Qiao Zai Shui's despair.
So, Luo Yang beat around the bush, saying, "Little Sister Qiao, you should learn some kicking techniques. Can you do a split?"
Qiao Zai Shui asked curiously, "Do I have to be able to do a split to learn kicking techniques?"
Seeing Luo Yang nod.
"I've never practiced splits. What should I do?" Qiao Zai Shui said regretfully.
It's easy for children who start training while their bodies are still flexible to do splits.
As an adult, the muscles and bones are stiffer and training becomes difficult.
"Give it a try," Luo Yang said.
"That won't work."
Having never practiced splits before, attempting it suddenly was not easy.
Seeing Qiao Zai Shui looking nervous, Luo Yang offered his help.
"Come on, sit down slowly, I will hold you."
But Qiao Zai Shui still struggled; having never done splits, trying now was very difficult for her.
"Shadow Fist, I can't do it anymore. It hurts so much," Qiao Zai Shui said softly.
"Little Sister Qiao, keep going. It's always like this in the beginning. Come on, I'll help you," Luo Yang said, pulling her down with both hands.
"Stop, stop, I can't, I can't. It hurts so much. Stop, it hurts," Qiao Zai Shui pleaded repeatedly.
By now, the angle formed by her legs had surpassed 90 degrees.
For someone who had never done splits, opening to this extent was pretty much the limit.
Luo Yang also knew that if he pushed Qiao Zai Shui further, she would indeed feel pain.
But if he stopped now, Qiao Zai Shui would have a hard time making progress and still couldn't do a full split even after several more months of practice.
To help Qiao Zai Shui overcome this difficulty, Luo Yang had to be resolute and kept pulling forcefully.
"Ah, it hurts, stop it. It hurts!"
Qiao Zai Shui cried out in pain as she was forced into a split, both pain and tears emerging.
"I'm going to tear apart! Let go!"
Amidst the pain, Qiao Zai Shui flailed her hands aimlessly.
"Little Sister Qiao, hang in there a bit longer," Luo Yang encouraged.
Martial arts practice itself was a hard task, and Luo Yang intended for her to experience it.
"Ah! No! I'm going to tear! Let go!"
Qiao Zai Shui cried.
In fact, Luo Yang was helping her seriously for her own good.
"Little Sister Qiao, you've succeeded!" Luo Yang congratulated her.
"My legs don't feel like mine anymore. I feel like I'm split in half," Qiao Zai Shui said in pain.
"Little Sister Qiao, every beginning is hard. You've taken a successful step. Keep it up, and you'll be able to do a split soon," Luo Yang consoled her.
Luo Yang decided to let her catch her breath for a while before he helped her bring her legs back together.