In the courtyard, the two stood facing each other.
Wu Hai flexed his muscles and bones, saying:
"The boxing I learned comes from the military, supposedly created by General Chen. Because it was crafted for battlefield combat, it is more straightforward."
"Master, be careful later."
The address 'Boss Fang' felt awkward, Wu Hai was clearly not accustomed to it.
"Come on!"
Fang Zheng took a deep breath, standing steadily in the Three-Body Form, his Qi and blood surging orderly, condensing his power, with his skin and flesh taut instantly.
He had a certain understanding of his physical qualities, and a quick check online could give him some comparisons, matching well with professional athletes in various aspects.
Do not underestimate the word 'professional'.
Taking physical training as a profession already creates a huge gap with ordinary people, and Fang Zheng does not skew like other professional athletes.
His speed compares with runners, strength with weightlifters...
Overall coordination is naturally stronger!
And with Xingyi Fist, ordinary groups of three or five people were definitely not his match.
By comparison, he knew less about the Qi Blood Martial Artists from the Otherworld; it was a good time to use Wu Hai to measure his approximate strength.
"Watch out!"
Wu Hai warned again, seeing Fang Zheng ready, his eyes suddenly opened:
"Kill!"
The shout was like thunder, deafening.
As the shout reverberated, the ground beneath his feet lightly shook, dirt splattered, and with a step he appeared in front of Fang Zheng, punching straight.
His stance was firm and steps stable, vocal power accompanying.
The shout not only intimidated opponents but also served to boost spirit and aid in exerting force within boxing.
The ferocious aura rushed forward; despite Fang Zheng's preparation, a subconscious retreat of fear arose in his heart.
Tiptoeing, he retreated backward.
Oh no!
Fang Zheng muttered that this was bad.
Xingyi Fist was known for its fierceness, and one must never harbor fear or retreat, a point Guo Ziran emphasized countless times, as fear weakens by thirty percent.
How did he suddenly forget at the crucial moment?
"Hah!"
Wu Hai pressed the advantage, lunging like a fierce tiger, his fists striking in succession.
Heavenly King Carrying Tower!
Mountain Carrying Form!
...
"Bang!"
Fang Zheng grunted, retreating repeatedly.
The opponent's boxing was even more brutal and direct compared to Xingyi Fist, but correspondingly it was simpler, with pitifully few variations, only pursuing destructive power.
"Hah!"
Taking a strong breath, Fang Zheng lunged, bending forward.
Bear Crash, Bird Dodge!
Xingyi Twelve Forms evolved from the Five Elements Fist, more complex, and sometimes more convenient in handling certain situations.
Just like at this moment, using Bear Form to smash the approach, Bird Form to sidestep evade.
Tiger Pounce!
Dragon Leap!
Five Elements Collapse!
"Bang!"
The two frontally collided, Wu Hai's moves unchanged, Fang Zheng visibly strained, retreating while borrowing Tortoise Form to dissipate force.
"Again!"
Eyes bright, Fang Zheng lunged once more.
"Kill!"
Wu Hai shouted fiercely, punching out, every vocalization increased his force by thirty percent, speed faster, fist force more fierce.
The two, like battling beasts, dodged and collided within the courtyard, with the solid ground shaking and scattering.
"Bang!"
Collisions rang again, Fang Zheng staggered back, waving his hand repeatedly:
"Enough, enough!"
"Brother Wu is formidable, I am not a match."
"You are not weak either." Compared to Fang Zheng's disarray, Wu Hai was much steadier, saying:
"I can tell the Master has a solid foundation, with complete boxing heritage, it's just… neglected in the past."
Speaking, envy was mixed with regret.
He could not believe Fang Zheng could have trained to such a level from an ordinary person in just two or three months, it must have had foundational roots before.
As for the boxing…
Xingyi Fist has been passed down from generation to generation, filling in the gaps, surely in the Otherworld it's complete heritage.
The body has a foundation, the martial arts have heritage, all indicating Fang Zheng had an impressive family background before, no wonder there's an air about him that's different from others.
Pity!
Did not practice martial arts well in youth, now it's too late.
"Cannot compare with Brother Wu." Fang Zheng naturally did not know what was in the other's mind, touching his chin, asked:
"Brother Wu should be a Qi Blood First Transformation martial artist, right?"
"Yes."
Wu Hai nodded:
"Back then, following the general in battles everywhere, I was lucky to hammer the skin and flesh to a certain realm, but my foundation wasn't good, can't compare with true First Transformation martial artists."
Fang Zheng was enlightened.
Wu Hai had not cultivated under orthodox Dharma Gate, nor solidly grounded his foundation; this sort of Qi Blood First Transformation martial artist belonged to the lowest tier among martial artists.
And most likely, they stop here for life.
Yet…
Still stronger than him!
He then asked:
"In Brother Wu's view, how far am I from Qi Blood First Transformation?"
"Not far." Wu Hai said seriously:
"If the Master continues to diligently practice martial arts, he should reach Qi Blood First Transformation within a year, by then I surely can't match."
"A year."
Fang Zheng pursed his lips, not commenting on the speed.
He originally thought it would take much longer, but having tested with Wu Hai, he realized unknowingly he had become so strong.
Strong enough to spar and exchange blows with a martial artist.
With the help of Heaven-Reaching Sect, Mountain Stabilizing Stance, and elixirs, it shouldn't take a year to reach Qi Blood First Transformation.
'The current self, physical condition comparable to professional athletes, Qi Blood First Transformation martial artists should be able to compare with top athletes.'
'Top athletes, not only needing scientific training but also an extraordinary talent, in some degree are already distinctly different from ordinary people.'
'Qi Blood First Transformation martial artists are similar!'
'There is no rush for this matter.'
"Brother Wu."
Thinking it over, Fang Zheng said:
"I intend to lease a shop in the West Market, you've been seeking work there for a while, do you know which ones have transfer intentions?"
"There are." Wu Hai replied:
"Recently, Cyan Wolf Gang besieged Gu'an County, causing hardship to many families, the West Market being prosperous attracted many bandits."
"I know of four shops up for transfer, and it's an absolute sale!"
"Great!" Fang Zheng's eyes lit up:
"Then choose the one with the best location, price is no problem, please trouble Brother Wu to arrange a time to meet at Qionghua Building."
Qionghua Building is the best restaurant in Gu'an County, a meal could cost several taels of silver.
If the price is suitable, he even considered buying several stores.
"So urgent?" Wu Hai was stunned:
"I'll take care of it right away."
"Hold on a second." Fang Zheng said:
"Where does Brother Wu live?"
"North of the town." Wu Hai forced a smile:
"Temporarily lodging at a friend's house."
"Come here." Fang Zheng pointed:
"Aunt Zheng next door plans to sell her house to return home, I've already spoken to her, once sorted out, she'll register at the brokerage in a couple days."
"By then, you can move in, and the rent will be waived."
"Um…"
"A person died there, Brother Wu doesn't mind?"
"Don't mind, don't mind." Wu Hai was overjoyed:
"Thanks, Master!"
How could he mind, now saying he's borrowing a friend's home, in truth he was living in someone's sheep pen, having a house was a much longed-for change.
As for the deceased...
He had seen plenty on the battlefield, even sleeping among corpses before.
"Good, you don't mind."
Fang Zheng nodded satisfied.
Having such a Qi Blood Martial Artist as a neighbor, and with trustworthy character, even if bandits invaded again, there'd be some help.
The subsequent things went smoothly.
Being newly wealthy also gave Fang Zheng confidence, seeing Aunt Zheng heartbroken over her child's death, he didn't haggle but directly purchased the house for the original price, earning her gratitude.
The West Market shop was in the hand officially after ten days too.
"Although the porcelain here can be sold in sets, plates, dishes, vases need to be individually picked, whereas in modern society, there are complete sets of porcelain available, each piece sharing matching designs, complementing well."
"Assembly line manufactured complete porcelain sets, unified patterns, consistent glaze, machines surpassing manual craftsmanship in stability, perfect for opening up a channel."
"Choose white porcelain, good appearance and mature technique."
"Hmm…"
Fang Zheng lightly tapped the armrest:
"Also need to register a company in modern times."
He had thoroughly considered this; to venture across two worlds, he couldn't always deal only in expensive jade, since he lacked the novel-like system, substantial assets would surely attract attention from certain departments.
With a company, explanations could be made.
He didn't understand the nuances of company registration, but Guo Erqiu, as a lawyer, had assisted in similar matters before and could be consulted.