I am about to die of old age, and I have awakened the character of longevity.

Chapter 95 The weight of Qi!
hiss!
Wang Po's shop, which had finally returned to its normal chatty atmosphere, became silent again.

The deacons around him all looked at Xie An sideways at this moment, their hearts filled with confusion and shock.

It's this old man again...

Just now, Tang Qingyun refused all the deacons' offers to give up their seats, but only moved forward to share the table with Xie An...

Now I am surprised at what kind of energy this old man has cultivated...

It seems that this old man is another strong competitor.

Many people grumbled in their hearts, lamenting that the pressure of this exam was really great!

Xie An, with his sharp eyes, naturally noticed the countless pairs of 'unfriendly' looks around him, but he didn't care too much. He just said to Tang Qingyun: "Yes..."

Snapped!
Before Xie An could finish, Tang Qingyun put his hand on Xie An's shoulder and said, "This is not the place to talk. When you get to the hall, come to the Northwest Courtyard to find me first. Remember, come directly. Don't wait!"

Xie An felt that Tang Qingyun's expression was solemn, as if he had something very important to say in private, so he agreed.

Tang Qing nodded in satisfaction and sat back down to eat breakfast, but his mood was different. He quickly finished his two bites and left, urging the deacons to work hard and perform to their full potential.

Chen Qingze, who followed Tang Qingyun away, had an unnatural expression on his face. When he reached the door, he turned back and glared at Xie An.

"Boss, this Chen Qing is glaring at you at the door. He's not very friendly to you." Wang Xiang did not forget to remind Xie An in a low voice.

Xie An ate his buns calmly. "He's the sect leader's son, so it's natural that he's a little arrogant. It's normal for him to look down on people like us who come from humble backgrounds. Don't worry about it. Stop staring blankly and eat. It's rare for Brother Zhang to treat you."

After hearing these words, everyone stopped thinking too much and started eating buns with big mouthfuls, feeling much more relaxed while chatting.

Although Tang Qingyun did not say a few words to Wang Xiang, Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi after he sat down, they were happy to see that Tang Qingyun valued Xie An.

After all, with the support of a big boss like Tang Qingyun, Xie An would undoubtedly be able to take over the position of the incense master of the Xueling Black Market more smoothly. At least he wouldn't have to consider factors outside the training ground.

Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi are no longer newcomers, so they naturally know that the underworld is not just about fighting and killing, but also about human relationships and the protection of officials.

Without a strong backing, it is very difficult for grassroots people to make a name for themselves.

How many talented and evil people did not die on the training ground, but capsized in the gutter.

After eating and drinking, Xie An packed another breakfast and then led Zhang Lin and the others out.

"Master Zhang, take care." Wang Po personally saw Xie An and others out, and was very polite.

The four of them went out, grabbed their horses by the roadside, and walked towards Baiyu Hall in front.

As the sky brightened, more and more vendors lined the streets, and the number of pedestrians on the road increased, making it very crowded. Riding a horse was very inconvenient and could easily startle passersby.

What's more, Baiyu Hall is only three or four hundred meters away from here. It will take a while to walk there, and it will also help digest the food in the stomach.

Xie An walked on the road leading his horse, watching people coming and going, listening to the shouts and hawking sounds one after another, and feeling the strong atmosphere of worldly life, which was quite unique.

"Xie brother, what is Qi sense?"

Zhang Lin couldn't help but ask. Although Zhang Lin had practiced martial arts for many years, he hadn't achieved much. He was a tough nut to crack. He didn't even understand martial arts, let alone the Qi of health-preserving exercises.

However, he could sense from Tang Qingyun's surprised expression that this aura was definitely not ordinary.

Xie An didn't hide anything. "I don't know the details, but it's probably a technique in health-preserving exercises. I've practiced health-preserving exercises for many years, but I only recently felt the effects. I'll need to find out the specific effects after I consult Elder Tang."

It turned out to be the case.

Zhang Lin looked surprised and didn't ask any more questions.

After walking a few hundred meters, the four people arrived at the gate of Baiyu Hall and were shocked by the scene before them.

A two-meter-high arena had been built in the vast open space at the entrance to Baiyu Hall. Made of sturdy wood, it measured fifty meters long and wide, with guardrails along the edges. Three steps on each side provided easy access for the two contestants.

Although the arena was empty and the test had not yet begun, there were already many onlookers gathered around, talking and making it very lively.

"Strange... the training ground is set up outside the hall. Is this for everyone to see?" Wang Xiang couldn't help but be amazed. "This is the first time I've seen such a grand arena. Boss!"

Xie An noticed Wang Xiang tugging at his sleeve and couldn't help asking, "What for?"

Wang Xiang pointed at the arena, dancing with excitement. "When you win first place in this magnificent arena, the entire Shuideng Town will see you. Hearing countless people applauding, how majestic that will be!"

Zhang Lin and Liang Zhi also expressed their agreement:

"For many years, the Baiyu Hall has been closed to outsiders. In previous years, the regular examinations were held inside the hall. This time, they were held at the door. It's clear that the higher-ups are trying to show off their power in front of the villagers. Boss, this is indeed a great opportunity for you to show off your skills."

"Xie, brother, if you seize this opportunity, you will make a big splash. Not only must you win, but you must win beautifully."

Xie An, who had been calm at first, became somewhat excited after being inspired by these three guys. He glanced around and saw that the villagers from the three streets were all converging here. It really felt like a deserted street.

As more people gathered around, the arena was invisibly given a special meaning.

Xie An understood the Tiger and Wolf Sect's arrangement: Bai Yu Tang's heavy losses had severely damaged the sect's prestige. That was why they had deliberately set up the arena publicly, intentionally displaying their martial arts skills before the villagers. This would both help restore the sect's reputation and demonstrate its fairness in employing people based on merit.

It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

Xie An felt that this approach was correct.

Although Fang Baiyu does not treat his subordinates as human beings, there are still people in the Tiger and Wolf Sect who take the overall situation into consideration.

A leopard can be seen in the tube.

This sect is generally in a vibrant stage and has not yet become corrupt.

Gathering his thoughts, Xie An suppressed his emotions, "It's still early for the exam. Let's go to the other courtyard to visit Deacon Lin first."

Zhang Lin suddenly recovered from his excitement and looked at Xie An with admiration, "It should be so."

The four of them walked through the crowd, entered the hall, and came to the villa where Wei Dian had lived before, and took some breakfast with them.

Since Wei Dian left, Lin Yun has been living in seclusion in Wei Dian's villa.

After chatting last night, Xie An naturally knew that Lin Yun was a generous and open-minded person. However, Xie An did not want Lin Yun to feel that he had a chance to stand out, so he ignored and alienated Lin Yun.

He came to see Lin Yun early in the morning.

Lin Yun saw through Xie An's thoughts and admired him even more.

There are countless people in this world who, after rising to prominence and reaching a higher level, making friends with more powerful figures, unconsciously distance themselves from their former friends, even if it's not intentional.

On the one hand, there is not enough time, and on the other hand, old friends are of little use to me, and there are fewer topics to talk about, so we become distant over time.

In contrast, Xie An did not have such an attitude.

Lin Yun appreciated it very much.

"Xie, brother, you have a lot to do today and need to make a lot of preparations. You don't have to rely on me for everything." Lin Yun reminded him while eating breakfast: "Oh, Elder Tang has just arrived at the hall. You'd better go and pay him a visit. Elder Tang will preside over the review of this examination. After all, Hong Lie has Fang Baiyu behind him. If you have Elder Tang's support, you can let go and move freely. Don't worry about the sewers and the hidden channels."

Xie An said: "Brother Lin reminded me, I will go now."

Lin Yun smiled and waved his hand, "Go quickly. This is the most important thing."

After Xie An left, Lin Yun instructed Zhang Lin, "Zhang Lin, wait outside the central courtyard. The duel list will be distributed soon, along with the specific rules. Once you figure it out, report back as soon as possible. This will save Brother Xie some energy."

"I'll go now."

Lin Yun took out some small change and handed it to Wang Xiang and Liang Zhi. "Go to the pharmacy and buy some medicine for wounds and joints. The exam is not over yet. If Xie An gets hurt, we should be prepared for it right away."

"Yes." After arranging all the details, Lin Yun was still uneasy and had no appetite for breakfast. He stood up and paced back and forth in the yard, as if he was afraid of missing any important details.

……

But after Xie An said goodbye to Lin Yun, he walked on the snow and came to a villa in the northwest corner.

This courtyard was located in a remote area, but it was large and had a grand entrance. Xie An had passed by this place several times before, and the gate was always closed. It seemed that this courtyard was used to receive important people.

The thick courtyard door was ajar, and a cold wind rushed out from inside, hitting Xie An's face, making him feel bone-chilled.

Xie An was somewhat looking forward to seeing Tang Qingyun again.

Since meeting Tang Qingyun once during the deacon examination at the beginning of the year, I haven't seen this fifty-year-old man again.

But Xie An also learned during this period that this elder Tang Qingyun was here to gild his reputation and would most likely join the Tiger and Wolf Sect headquarters as an elder in the future. That was a position second only to the Sect Master.

Fang Baiyu is no match for Tang Qingyun.

Xie An suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart, walked forward, pulled up the door knocker which was covered with snow, and knocked gently.

dong dong dong.

The crisp sound rang out in the silent snowy day.

Soon, Tang Qingyun's familiar voice came from inside.

"But Xie An?"

"Yes."

"Come in."

Only then did Xie An push open the gate and walk in.

The huge yard was covered with snow, and several banana trees in the corner had been frozen and rotted. However, there was a plum tree about ten feet tall next to it, with buds forming and a fresh fragrance emanating from it.

There is a pavilion under the plum tree with a stove, a desk and chairs.

Tang Qingyun sat behind the desk, flipping through a list, occasionally picking up a pen to draw a few lines on it.

After meeting Xie An, Tang Qingyun placed his brush against the edge of the inkstone, walked out of the pavilion, and said with a smile, "When did you develop the ability to feel the energy?"

Xie An did not hide it, "It's been a while."

Tang Qingyun was delighted. "Great. Martial arts are prevalent in Qingwu County, but there are very few people practicing health-preserving exercises. As for those who have cultivated a sense of Qi... there have been only a few in the past hundred years. Show me how to perform the Five Animal Play."

"it is good."

Knowing the importance of this matter, Xie An did not dare to be careless and chose to take it seriously.

Stand up straight with your legs, chest tucked in and back straightened. After switching to the fetal breathing method, a warm current will flow from your lower abdomen, through your limbs and bones, dispelling the coldness in your hands and feet.

Make sure your hands and feet are flexible again before starting to practice the Five Animal Exercises.

Tigers hunt for food, deers run, bears shake their luck, apes pick fruits, cranes fly...

Each and every move possesses the spirit of the Five Animals, and unlike those of ordinary health masters, they are not soft and weak. Instead, they are strong and fierce, agile and changeable, and are in no way inferior to the murderous fist and kick martial arts.

The so-called straight to the point.

Although Tang Qingyun's attainments in health-preserving exercises were not as good as Tang Qingfeng's, he was also a rare expert. He immediately saw that Xie An had mastered the Five Animal Exercises to a very high level.

Even a master of health preservation who has practiced the Five Animal Exercises for twenty years is far from being able to achieve the level of Xie An.

What surprised Tang Qingyun even more was that... when Xie An was practicing the Five Animal Exercises, his hands and feet were in tune with the rhythm of the air, which greatly eliminated the resistance of the air.

The layman looks at the excitement and the insider looks at the doorway.

This is... the feeling of Qi!
As he watched, Tang Qingyun was unconsciously drawn into it and became somewhat intoxicated and fascinated.

Putting aside the fierce Five Animals techniques and the feeling of Qi... just watching Xie An practice the Five Animals Exercises is a pleasure.

Even after Xie An finished his rehearsal, Tang Qingyun was still immersed in it.

"Elder Tang."

It was Xie An who spoke that brought Tang Qingyun back to reality. When he looked at Xie An again, his eyes had changed, revealing an uncontrollable excitement.

"Okay, okay!
"Meng Hu practiced fetal breathing for twenty years with my father, but he could only achieve internal breathing and never developed a sense of energy. Finally, Meng Hu had to give up and switch to the Heavy Mountain Blade martial art."

Xie An was shocked when he heard this.

It turns out that what Meng Hu described in his notes was embellished, and even the original intention was distorted.

Could it be that Meng Hu's original intention of practicing health-preserving exercises for twenty years was to obtain the inheritance of Tangjiabao?

Finally, he couldn't develop the sense of Qi, so he gave up... and turned to martial arts?
The amount of information revealed by Tang Qingyun's simple sentence is astonishing.

But Xie An was not surprised.

Compared to martial arts, who doesn’t desire immortality more?
"My brother-in-law has practiced health-preserving exercises for half his life, but he has only just barely sensed the existence of Qi, and he cannot master it. My father has searched his entire life, but he has never found anyone who can cultivate Qi. But you, Xie An... have given me, Tang Family Fort, a great surprise."

Tang Qingyun sighed deeply, then excitedly stepped forward and grabbed Xie An's wrist, "Xie An, my Tang Family Fort has a great opportunity, and it has always been reserved for those who can cultivate a sense of Qi. Meng Hu didn't do it before, and neither did my brother. Over the past year or so, my Tang Family Fort has been actively recruiting talents in health preservation, but no one has been able to cultivate a sense of Qi. Now, you have done it. This opportunity of my Tang Family Fort belongs to you alone."

Xie An felt relieved, but on the surface he bowed and said, "I am fortunate to have Master Tang Qingfeng teach me the health-preserving exercises, and I am grateful for that. How could I have deserved the opportunity to be in Tangjiabao again?"

Tang Qingyun was very satisfied with Xie An's attitude and said with a smile: "My father has been searching for a hundred years, looking for someone who can cultivate the sense of qi so that he can pass on his life's unique skills. Otherwise, my father will die with regrets.

Xie An, please don't refuse. Just consider it as a favor to me and fulfill my filial duty as a son.

After saying that, Tang Qingyun actually bowed to Xie An for the first time.

This really shocked Xie An, and he quickly bowed and said, "Elder Tang has been very kind to me, please don't do this. I will agree. However, I am not very talented and knowledgeable, and I am afraid that I will disappoint Elder Tang."

Hearing Xie An's agreement, Tang Qingyun breathed a sigh of relief and once again tightened his grip on Xie An's wrist. "Brother Xie, you have done me a great favor by agreeing to this. You don't need to worry about the rest."

The name was also changed.

Became Brother Xie.

It made Xie An's scalp tingle.

It turns out that the weight of this aura far exceeds that of the Heavy Mountain Knife.

"I am willing to follow Elder Tang's instructions."

"Hahaha, great! My brother-in-law really didn't make a mistake in choosing the right person." Tang Qingyun laughed excitedly and immediately called out to the door, "Someone come here."

Immediately, a doorman came over respectfully.

"Brother Xie, please wait a moment. I will write a letter to my father right away. My father will be very happy when he knows about it. He may even rush over to meet Brother Xie right away." Tang Qingyun laughed and returned to the desk. He picked up a pen, dipped it in ink, wrote a letter, put it in the envelope, sealed it with red wax, and then handed it to Menzi.

"Ride as fast as you can to Tangjiabao and hand it over to my brother or father immediately. Quickly! Also, tell Fang Baiyu that the test will be postponed until I give you my orders."

"Yes!" The man knew that the matter was serious and did not dare to be careless. He took the envelope with both hands and left in a hurry.

(End of this chapter)