At this moment, on the streets outside Qingshi Town, the sun was shining brightly, the sky was clear and cloudless, and a red sun was high up in the blue sky, casting a warm golden glow over this quaint town.
Zhan Bei's mother tightly held his hand, her eyes filled with worry and reluctance: "Bei Bei, you must take good care of yourself. The capital city is different from our Qingshi Town. Your father and I are not here with you. You alone... I'm really very worried about you." Her voice trembled slightly, revealing deep maternal love.
Zhanbei's father, Quan Zongxiong, was standing nearby. Although his expression was resolute, there was also a hint of reluctance in his eyes: "Lili, don't be too conservative. Qingshi Town is too small. Xiaonai can only go to the Capital City to have a broader future and a way out." His words carried a touch of helplessness, but more of his expectations for Zhanbei's future.
When Zhanbei's mother, Li Li, heard this, her eyes turned slightly red. She retorted, "Wang Zhanbei! Why do you call me the Empress Mother? Besides, I was born as a woman. As long as Beibei can live a peaceful life, I am content even if I spend all my family's wealth." Her words were filled with the firm and selfless love of a mother.
Yuan Lei, who was standing nearby, saw the family's reluctant expression and felt some emotions himself. He walked up to Zhanbei and firmly patted his shoulder, saying earnestly: "Kid, I've been teaching you for three years. After these three years, I have nothing more to teach you. When you arrive in the capital city, even if you fall behind and are no longer the best, don't be sad. Remember, just do your best!" His voice was calm and powerful, filled with encouragement and anticipation for Zhanbei.
Zhanbei nodded firmly, his eyes shining with determination: "I understand, teacher! I will work hard!" His voice was firm and powerful, revealing his confidence and determination for the future.
Seeing Zhanbei's composed state, his parents, Zhan and Zhanma, tenderly held him in their arms.
Yuan Lei also watched this touching scene and gave a relieved smile.
Finally, it was time to part.
Zhanbei deeply bowed three times and bid farewell towards the direction of Qingshi Town.
He tidied his clothes, wiped the tears from his eyes, and with determination, turned around and set off on the journey to the capital city.
...
Qingshi Town is located in the south of the Shuofang Kingdom.
If you want to go to the capital city, you have to head north.
At this moment, a young man dressed in green robes was walking slowly along the official road leading to the north.
His steps were firm and his expression was calm, as if the world around him were irrelevant to him, and he was solely focused on his journey.
On the way, Zhanbei came across a group of people carrying their luggage.
Most of these pedestrians were young martial artists. Their faces were brimming with expectations for the future, and their eyes shone with the light of pilgrimage, as if they had already reached the martial arts holy land - Shofang Martial Arts Academy!
All of them have obtained the recommendation letters from Shufang Martial Arts Academy based on their own abilities, and are now preparing to go there for further study.
Among these warriors, some traveled together, chatting and laughing with each other; while many others went alone.
Their eyes were resolute, as if they had already set their goals in their minds.
After a day's journey, the group arrived at a post station and decided to rest here for the night, so that they could be fully energetic and continue their journey the next day.
Around the stove at the post station, everyone sat together, sharing their own stories and the experiences they had during their journey.
At this point, someone brought up a recent major event: "Have you heard about it? A few days ago, people from Qingyan Town and Qingshi Town got into a fight."
"Really? Please tell me what happened!" The person beside him immediately became interested.
"It is said that this is the guardian warrior of Qingyan Town. In an attempt to avenge his disciple, he ended up being incapacitated by the warrior from Qingshi Town!"
"Such a serious matter! " The crowd exclaimed in astonishment, and began to discuss animatedly.
Zhanbei sat quietly in the corner, listening to the discussions around him. A wistful smile appeared on his face.
After all, the Zhang Yan who was defeated was precisely the one he had personally brought down.
He knew that beneath this conflict lay not merely the grievances between the two towns, but also a clash of power.
He stood up, tidied his luggage, and prepared to set off on another journey.
Just then, outside the post station, there suddenly came a series of rapid hoofbeats and chaotic footsteps, breaking the tranquility of the night.
Everyone stopped their conversation and looked towards the door with expressions of surprise and doubt.
A group of robbers dressed in black and with sinister smiles on their faces, holding sharp swords and knives, emerged from the darkness and quickly surrounded the inn.
They were riding on magnificent horses, with an intimidating air about them, clearly showing that they were not to be trifled with.
"This path was made by me, this tree was planted by me. If you want to pass through here, leave some money as a way fee!" The leader of the gang shouted loudly, his voice filled with threats and provocation.
The people in the inn immediately fell into a state of panic. Most of them were young martial artists. Although they had some strength, when facing so many robbers, they couldn't help but feel a bit frightened.
"Humph! Just a bunch of rabble! How dare they act so wildly here!" A young martial artist sneered, his tone filled with disdain and contempt.
The leader of the gang was enraged upon hearing this. He swung his huge sword and charged at the person.
That person's body moved with a flash, skillfully avoiding the blow. At the same time, he quickly drew his sword and engaged in a fierce battle with the robbers.
All of them were warriors. They picked up their weapons and rose up in rebellion!
Inside the post station, the air was suddenly filled with the flashes of swords and the clashing of blades, creating a scene of intense excitement.
Zhanbei also joined in. His boxing skills were fierce and precise, each move and each stance contained astonishing power and speed, truly remarkable.
These passionate young men, armed with superb martial arts skills, engaged in a fierce battle with the robbers.
The leader of the gang saw this and couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.
He originally thought that with his own strength, he could easily defeat these seemingly young warriors. However, he never expected to encounter such stubborn resistance.
Especially that young man dressed in green, his combat prowess was simply beyond imagination.
Just as he was about to give up and plan to escape in the chaos, Zhanbei seemed to have read his mind.
Zhanbei's figure flickered, appearing before him like a ghost.
At that moment, Zhanbei's figure slightly drooped, his feet firmly planted on the ground. Then he unleashed a powerful punch, the force of the blow mingling with the thunderous roar of a tiger, aiming directly at the bandit's heart.
This punch is the ultimate expression of Zhanbei's mastery of martial arts!
The leader of the gang felt an irresistible force coming towards him. He tried to dodge, but was no longer able to do so.
With a dull thud, his body flew backward like a broken kite, and finally collapsed on the ground, lifeless and completely exhausted.
The battle continued, but as the leader of the bandits fell, the remaining criminals also began to lose their composure. Some tried to break through, while others simply knelt down and begged for mercy.
With the joint efforts of everyone, this sudden crisis was successfully resolved.
Zhanbei stood among the crowd, his gaze firm and profound.