What do you mean I'm a ghost story?

Chapter 18 The Realm of a Grandmaster
Lore!

Xia Qing was instantly at a loss.

demonstration?

Should I demonstrate with my own head?

He'd only practiced Tai Chi for less than a day using a video; he'd probably be exposed as soon as he started practicing.

They've practiced for several years, so you can definitely tell whether their movements are smooth or not.

No matter how well they talk, they'll be exposed once they start doing it.

A demonstration is not required.

Since they've said that, if you really have the ability, you should at least show it off.

Refusing is a sign of guilt; how can one gain people's trust then, let alone offer guidance and instruction?

Now, Xia Qing was truly in a difficult situation.

But since things have come to this, we have to grit our teeth and keep practicing.

Even if it's embarrassing, it's worth it if it helps me upgrade my Tai Chi skills.

"Grandpa, please take a good look."

Despite feeling anxious inside, Xia Qing remained outwardly calm, instead displaying a confident and decisive demeanor.

They found an open space and started practicing right there.

They were naturally practicing Tai Chi.

However, when he unleashed his 'Tai Chi' technique, it truly startled those around him, who couldn't help but turn their heads to look.

"Tai Chi combines softness and strength. It is not only about softness, but also about strength. Softness is like flowing water that wraps around the body, while strength is like striking with a thousand pounds of force!"

Xia Qing performed a set of Tai Chi moves, displaying an unparalleled and fierce demeanor.

The frame is the frame of Tai Chi.

But every punch and kick, even with clothes on, made a whooshing sound as it was thrown, and the punches even crackled loudly.

A perfectly good Tai Chi routine was somehow performed with the imposing power of the Tongbei Piguazhang style.

Those crackling sounds, that explosive power—no one could tell it was fake.

—Provided that you don't say it's Tai Chi.

"When Yin and Yang are combined, they bring harmony between the dragon and the tiger, allowing one to cultivate oneself and nurture one's nature; when separated, they represent the ultimate Yin and Yang, the ultimate softness and the ultimate strength."

Xia Qing spoke again, his words resounding, and his fist techniques mirrored that.

A series of loud explosions echoed through the void, accompanied by the rustling of clothes; the force was truly extraordinary.

This sense of power cannot be faked.

The Money Dart Technique does not include close-quarters combat skills, but it does have no shortage of methods for generating power throughout the body.

At this moment, it is directly integrated into the moves of Tai Chi. Regardless of whether it is effective or not, at least it looks powerful and dynamic.

He could easily knock someone down with a single punch.

This imposing presence is genuine.

Martial arts skills are genuine.

I said that Tai Chi should also have strength and power, and should be extremely strong and powerful. Who can refute that?

In the realm of so-called Chinese martial arts, where deception and lack of real combat are rampant, true skill is the only true authority!
"Could it be... this... this is the real Tai Chi?"

"See that? Who said our Xia Kingdom's martial arts are no good? This is a genuine martial arts master!"

"Is true Tai Chi really this powerful? No wonder so many people only manage to master the fancy moves; they've been practicing it wrong all along."

"It's this young man, I know him, he's the one who was amazing at throwing darts before, I always said he must be a master!"

A group of elderly men and women were drawn over and gathered around, excited as if they were teenagers.

Even other young men who were strolling through Hero Park were drawn to the commotion.

"What the hell? This is Tai Chi?"

"Tai Chi? I'd believe him if he said he could kill me with one punch, but you're telling me it's Tai Chi?"

Compared to the older folks, the young people seem much less cultured, their only summary being "Holy crap!"

As for Grandpa Zhang, who is the true protagonist...

He was staring blankly at Xia Qing with his mouth agape, having long forgotten to speak.

Everything I see is chaos and makes me question the meaning of life.

Could it be... that I really practiced it wrong?

Is this the real Tai Chi? His long-held beliefs and pride still made him instinctively want to question it.

The martial arts of the Xia Kingdom have a long history. Although much of it has become mere showmanship, there are still some powerful and violent combat techniques.

The most obvious example is Tongbei, whose punches produce nine loud thuds, making it equally formidable in combat.

But after practicing fancy moves for most of his life, when he suddenly encounters a 'master' with real skills, how could he possibly utter a word of doubt?

This questioning stems solely from instinct and pride.

In fact, seeing the power of Xia Qing's boxing practice, he was already mostly convinced.

"Master, could you demonstrate the balance of strength and gentleness once more? I would like to become your disciple..."

Consciously suppressing the slight awkwardness in his heart, he hurriedly asked for advice.

If they can do this, it can be said that they already believe in Xia Qing.

However, it is precisely at times like these that it is easier to lose all previous efforts.

Ultimately, the most profound aspect of Tai Chi is its use of softness to overcome hardness and its ability to deflect heavy weights with minimal effort.

You can say it contains a fierce aspect, but if all you can do is deliver fierce punches, no one will believe it no matter how hard you try.

but.

It is enough.

The purpose of the instruction was simply to give Grandpa Zhang some pointers and guidance because his Tai Chi was too soft and weak.

Xia Qing's powerful Tai Chi move, whether real or fake, at least made people believe it and wanted to learn it.

"I am amazed by your intelligence and quick wit in your Tai Chi technique. I am very satisfied with the style you have shown, and our teamwork has improved significantly."

"Your Tai Chi Chuan technique was met with cheers and applause from the crowd. You stroked your beard and laughed heartily, climbing step by step until you reached the level of a grandmaster."

Instantly, a gentle warmth flowed through my entire body.

Xia Qing's body, which had already been strengthened once by the Money Dart Technique, reached an even higher level under the nourishment of this warm current.

Moreover, unlike the Money Dart Technique which focuses on arm strength, this warm current is more like a kind of balanced and peaceful body conditioning.

Although not prominent, it permeates every minute detail, soothing and eliminating all kinds of ailments and hidden injuries, leaving only a vibrant vitality and a refreshed mind emanating from deep within the body.

These physical changes are secondary.

More importantly, it involves various experiences with Tai Chi techniques, and even some spiritual insights and transformations.

No need to think, no nonsense.

A set of authentic Tai Chi Chuan techniques, flowing smoothly and effortlessly, was instantly performed.

The withered yellow leaves of late autumn are gradually swept up, rolled, and gathered by the gentle yet strong breeze.

Sometimes he sweeps his leg, stirring up more fallen leaves, and then his hand moves swiftly to scoop them up.

In no time, a ball of leaves, which seemed to be floating in the air and being kneaded, was formed in Xia Qing's hands.

This is not some supernatural force.

It's just a visual illusion created by movement, similar to crystal ball magic.

But this is precisely the authentic method for practicing the circulation of energy in Tai Chi.

No matter how the fingers, palms, and arms moved, the leaf ball, which should have been loose and falling, remained suspended like a basketball, as if a person were walking around it.

The subtle and profound nature of its power can only be truly appreciated by those who witness it firsthand.

Its flowing lines, imbued with a transcendent and refined quality, seem to make one forget all worries.

Even if the legendary Zhang Sanfeng were alive, his martial arts techniques would be no more than this.

The set of boxing techniques has been completed.

As the ball of leaves was released from its suspended position, it instantly loosened and crumbled, falling to the ground in a flurry.

The entire venue was completely silent.

Only the sound of falling leaves reached my ears.

"Holy crap, is this really martial arts? Are they making a movie out of this?"

"Don't be ridiculous. Movies can create visual effects, but they can't replicate this smooth and ethereal feel."

"This is real Tai Chi! It's amazing!"

"Theoretically, it is possible to do it. The hovering feeling is a bit like crystal ball magic, but it is also very exaggerated. This is done with leaves, and it even involves a set of Tai Chi."

After a long while, the commotion resumed and intensified.

(End of this chapter)