The yamen's interior was intricate and complex, exuding a chilling, grim atmosphere.
Not long after they began walking, a wide, open flatland came into view.
It was precisely the training ground where the yamen runners and constables usually drilled.
Yang Shifei caught sight of many saber-wielding yamen officers waiting in the corners, a scene of preparedness for a serious confrontation.
On the way earlier, Luo Xian'er had explained the purpose of their visit, saying she had found a suitable sparring partner at the yamen and that he could come and see.
But this formation…
"—You've finally arrived?"
A robust voice, like the thudding of a muffled drum, reverberated, causing Yang Shifei's expression to change slightly.
He looked ahead sharply and saw a middle-aged man in prisoner's attire emerge from behind a wooden training dummy. His sturdy physique radiated an immense sense of pressure, his hair and beard disheveled and messy. A pair of sharp eyes, like those of a fierce tiger, stared fixedly at them.
Killing intent.
Yang Shifei's entire body tensed instinctively; he sensed danger.
The sense of threat emanating from this man far surpassed that of the man in black from a few days ago!
Beneath his seemingly casual and provocative stance, his legs were as steady as an old tree's roots, and his hands were covered in crisscrossing scars—clearly, he had experienced numerous life-and-death battles.
"You are the Eldest Miss of the Luo Residence?"
The man in prisoner's garb spoke, his eyes glinting with murderous intent, his voice heavy. "Sending people to encircle and annihilate my Feilin Gang—you've got some nerve."
Luo Xian'er's expression was indifferent, as if she were completely oblivious to his killing aura.
"The Feilin Gang has already been destroyed."
She merely looked calmly at Yang Shifei beside her. "But this man, as the gang leader, possesses considerable martial skill. I instructed the government officials to keep him here to practice with you."
Yang Shifei nodded in understanding, simultaneously clicking his tongue in amazement.
The Eldest Miss worked far too quickly.
"Martial arts cultivation places the utmost importance on practical combat."
Luo Xian'er stated calmly, "You've just started practicing the Forest-Piercing Triple Layer Art and are still in the process of exploring and familiarizing yourself with it. Why not engage in a direct confrontation with the very person who created this technique? It will undoubtedly be of great help to you."
"—Heh!"
The Feilin Gang leader suddenly sneered, his eyes widening slightly in anger, veins bulging on his forehead.
"Eldest Miss Luo, you are truly arrogant to the extreme! Do you really think you can manipulate me, Li Xiaolin, as you please?!"
He took a fierce step forward, his aura surging.
At the same time, the government soldiers hidden in the surroundings moved almost instantly. With a series of ear-piercing screeches of drawn blades, over a dozen long sabers were simultaneously pressed against the man's neck.
The Feilin Gang leader, who called himself Li Xiaolin, halted his steps. He glanced around, a trace of astonishment flashing in his eyes.
What exactly was this woman's background and origin to make the East City government protect her to such an extent?
Recalling the scene of the 'overwhelming army' from the previous day, even he felt his scalp tingle. He had never imagined that the Feilin Gang would suffer a full-scale siege by the East City government, leaving absolutely no room for recovery.
Clearly, according to his prior investigations, this woman only had a merchant background, but now—
"Will it be too dangerous?"
Yang Shifei stepped in front of Luo Xian'er at this moment, his expression grave, looking back at her. "If this man goes berserk, will the surrounding government soldiers be able to stop him?"
He could tell that although these government soldiers were all skilled, they were no match for the Feilin Gang leader in the center of the field.
"No need to worry."
Luo Xian'er merely said softly, "This man doesn't have the guts to act recklessly. You just go ahead and make your move."
Yang Shifei scanned his surroundings, a thoughtful expression on his face.
He reckoned there were other powerful martial artists stationed within the yamen; otherwise, this Li Xiaolin wouldn't be so obedient.
"Nice thought!"
Li Xiaolin laughed loudly again. "You have power and influence; I, a mere commoner of the pugilistic world, indeed cannot resist. But this pretty boy beside you, with his skinny arms and legs, dares to try and learn my Feilin Gang's martial arts? This old master can crush him with one hand!"
Luo Xian'er didn't spare him even a glance, her lips parting coolly.
"Chief Constable Tie."
"Eldest Miss Luo."
A gentle breeze seemed to suddenly manifest, and a stern-faced man instantly appeared three zhang away, wearing a half-face black mask, respectfully cupping his fists. "What are your instructions?"
Yang Shifei's face showed surprise; he hadn't even registered when this person had appeared.
Li Xiaolin's savage grin froze instantly, his heart filled with utter shock.
This Tie Hanyang was East City's number one constable, his martial skills profound, no less than that of a Grandmaster. He was usually elusive, a figure rarely seen, but now he was…
Bowing and scraping to this woman like this?
"My fiancé has only recently begun practicing martial arts."
Luo Xian'er said without turning her head, "I'll have to trouble Chief Constable Tie to be extra vigilant."
Chief Constable Tie glanced at Yang Shifei and cupped his fists solemnly. "Please rest assured, this Li Xiaolin won't be able to cause any trouble."
"It's good that you are confident."
Luo Xian'er glanced at Yang Shifei's right arm. "Your wound hasn't healed. Remember to be extra careful. If you feel it's not right, we can always come back another time."
"…With Miss Luo showing such deep concern, I'd be too embarrassed to turn around and go home."
Yang Shifei dismissed the distracting thoughts in his mind and smiled at her. "I'll try my best."
Luo Xian'er nodded slightly.
Seeing Yang Shifei walk down the steps, she finally looked at Li Xiaolin for the first time.
"If you strike without measure, you die."
"…"
Once these words were spoken, a sinister chill permeated the training ground.
The dozen or so government soldiers present, including Li Xiaolin, couldn't help but look at Yang Shifei, their thoughts complex.
For such an overwhelmingly powerful woman to be this man's fiancée was truly enviable and jealousy-inducing.
"Let's begin."
Yang Shifei took a deep breath, his expression calm, and proactively assumed a stance.
He had no interest in exchanging more words with these people.
Since Luo Xian'er had brought him here to learn martial techniques, then he would focus on learning.
Nothing else needed to be considered.
The government soldiers exchanged glances, then silently sheathed their sabers and retreated, clearing an open space once more.
Li Xiaolin twisted his neck, a low, cold laugh escaping him. "Kid, your luck is truly good. To have such a woman backing you—"
"The Forest-Piercing Triple Layer Art. Please enlighten me."
Yang Shifei's spine was straight, his gaze gradually focusing, the cold energy within his body quietly circulating.
Facing a powerful opponent, he felt no fear; instead, filled with the cold energy, he became extremely indifferent.
Seeing he had no intention of conversing, Li Xiaolin merely gave a cold smirk and instantly leaned forward, striding out. "You just learned my Feilin Gang's martial arts, and you think you can challenge this old master?!"
A heavy pressure, like a raging torrent, layered and intensified with each step he took. By the time he raised his arm and clenched his fist, his entire aura had already surged to its peak.
Seeing his opponent twist and throw a punch, Yang Shifei narrowed his eyes, becoming even calmer in the face of danger.
Within his vision, the heavy fist seemed to leave afterimages, far beyond what the man in black from before could compare. But his own body seemed to preemptively sense the crisis, every muscle twitching almost spasmodically, causing his figure to automatically maneuver, ingeniously brushing past the attack.
"Is that really my Feilin Gang's movement technique?"
Li Xiaolin's brow twitched. He stepped forward, instantly changing his fist to a palm, thrusting it out sideways.
His five fingers were tough and sharp, secretly imbued with internal breath; a single strike could pierce a stone wall.
But Yang Shifei, as if anticipating it, twisted his body and dodged backward, simultaneously striking out with his fist to meet the opponent's palm, using the momentum to create distance between them.
Thud, thud, thud!
Yang Shifei retreated several steps before he finally dissipated the formidable force that had spread through his body.
His expression was composed. He shook his slightly numb left arm, images and incantations from the manual flashing through his mind.
The Forest-Piercing Triple Layer Art, when cultivated to perfection, can yield three layers of internal jin. It requires ten years of arduous practice to be able to circulate internal breath and transform it into hidden jin.
But in the next moment, the cold energy within his body instantly branched out, automatically circulating through his limbs, swiftly transforming according to the principles of this technique's operation. His left palm had already secretly gathered a formidable jin.
"Kid, you've got some skill at escaping." Li Xiaolin flexed his muscles, his entire body's musculature bulging, and sneered repeatedly. "A pity you're too young. Let this old master personally teach you a lesson!"
As he strode forward, his gaze swept across the training ground, and he inwardly clicked his tongue.
Although he didn't know this kid's identity, it wouldn't hurt to go easy on him and play along for a bit.
"Kid, watch my fist!"
Having made his decision, Li Xiaolin suddenly roared, and a fist smashed towards Yang Shifei's face.
The wind from the fist struck abruptly. Yang Shifei's eyes narrowed, and he instantly raised his arm to block across his chest.
Only a dull thud was heard, and the surrounding dust scattered with it.
Li Xiaolin, however, was the first whose expression changed. As if struck by a heavy hammer, he retreated explosively for several zhang. The moment he steadied himself, he couldn't help but roar in shocked fury:
"How do you know my 'Triple Layer Internal Jin'?!"