120: Chapter 117 Mind-Intent Fist, Mind-Intent Hand

Xingyi emphasizes internal power, loose form with tight intent; the external form is unconventional, and the fighting methods are ever-changing.

Thinking of this, Zhang Zhirong was off to the side eating watermelon, simply watching Li Changsheng move like a spring, expanding and contracting as he shifted and maneuvered.

The Xingyi Fist transmitted into Li Changsheng's memory was very comprehensive, including not only the fierce Aura of the Central Plains style but also the compact and exquisite power of the Sanxi Province style.

The so-called tight and rigorous movements mean the hands strike like steel files and drop like hooks, with elbows never leaving the ribs and hands never leaving the center.

When punching, one twists, wraps, drills, and flips, coordinating closely with body and footwork; the whole body is like a twisted rope, never slackening.

It also emphasizes composure and stability, with an upright body and steady steps, moving like a plow and rooting the feet upon landing.

It requires a broad chest and solid abdomen, with Qi sinking to the Dantian; it is hard but not stiff, soft but not weak, with power that is extended and solid.

Baji Quan emphasizes power radiating in all eight directions, following a path of grand opening and closing.

In contrast, Xingyi Fist advocates for a quick Breakthrough, focusing on one's own initiative; when engaging, one strikes first, attacking when the opponent is unprepared and hitting them when they least expect it—intent should not reveal the form, for if the form is revealed, one will not win.

It possesses not only the natural flow of Taiji but also a bit of the bravery, speed, and ruthlessness of Baji Quan.

Li Changsheng found it hard to compare the two, but in a direct confrontation of equal strength, Baji Quan might have a slight edge.

However, in certain special circumstances, Xingyi would have the upper hand.

Simply because Xingyi is too comprehensive!

Other styles have to admit this; the Xingyi Twelve Forms, which can also be divided into Ten Forms, each have their own unique applications and strengths.

For instance, Monkey Fist has a flexible, eerie, and ever-changing body technique. Horse Fist's power is like a cannon, possessing both the forward-digging momentum of a horse's hoof and the swift galloping power of a horse.

Man learns the swiftness of the stallion's hoof to show his might on the battlefield; a hero's fame spreads across the four seas, all thanks to this stance's extraordinary deeds.

From this, it's clear that Horse Form alone is an incredible martial art.

Then there is Tiger Form Fist, which actually originates somewhat from the Xingyi Five Elements Splitting Fist; its rise and fall are formless, like a fierce tiger emerging from its cage.

In certain special terrains, Tiger Form Fist also performs exceptionally well.

Furthermore, Xingyi Fist emphasizes combined attack methods, where multiple forms are joined together, such as the Tiger-Crane Double Form or the Eagle-Bear Double Form.

Moreover, Xingyi has many branches; after all, these Twelve Forms, the Five Elements, and Xinyi Liuhe, even the famous Shaolin Xinyiba, are said to be related to Xingyi Fist.

This is because the ancestor of these styles was Ji Longfeng, a general who was loyal to the Ming and opposed the Qing.

Xinyiba, also known as "Hoeing the Ground," has always been a top-secret technique of the Shaolin Temple. In the martial arts world, there is a saying: "Taiji is crafty, Bagua is slippery, but the most ruthless and poisonous is Xinyiba." It is hailed by various Schools as the "King of All Fists."

Although Shaolin has always claimed this ultimate technique originated in the Song Dynasty, Li Changsheng felt this matter was open to debate.

Regardless, Xingyi Fist is also known as Xinyi Fist, and its name is only one character different from Shaolin's Xinyiba, showing the relationship between them.

Li Changsheng didn't know much about Xinyiba; he used to see posts about it on the Anti-Hitting Bar with some videos attached, and it was indeed extremely ruthless.

Sometimes Li Changsheng wondered, "Doesn't Shaolin emphasize mercy? Why learn such a vicious martial art?"

Those that emphasize mercy mostly focus on external styles—classics from movies like Iron Shirt, Arhat Skill, Iron Head Skill, Iron Arm Skill, and Invulnerability Methods. These are either external styles or Hard Qigong, highlighting pure toughness!

Daoist Schools like Wudang, which emphasize quietude and non-action, focus mainly on health preservation. As for martial arts, having some skill is enough; fighting and killing is not good.

This gives one pause; isn't it the same principle as Confucius? Convincing people with virtue.

Li Changsheng practiced the entire Xingyi Twelve Forms once; by the time he finished, wisps of heat were steaming from his body.

Such is martial arts practice; even the Vajra Longevity Qigong, which is known for health preservation, will make one sweat after a few repetitions.

It is meant for strengthening the body, so it's impossible without some level of physical exertion.

"Brother Li, what exactly is this? It looks like it has so many variations—sometimes like a cat, sometimes like a monkey."

Zhang Zhirong was eating watermelon while looking a bit dazed.

However, he felt that even though Li Changsheng was just practicing against the air, his movements were powerful and produced a whistling wind, with occasional sonic pops. Watching this up close was even more shocking than in the movies.

Li Changsheng shook his head, too lazy to pay attention to the guy.

He had taught him a few moves over the past few days, but they weren't Baji Quan or Xingyi; they were just some Sanshou he'd seen others learning at the Hongyi Martial Arts Gym.

They weren't even a complete system; Li Changsheng only intended for Zhang Zhirong to learn some combat skills. In fact, the other man already knew some police combat and Grappling.

But as soon as they started, Li Changsheng could tell the guy lacked real combat experience and probably hadn't practiced with anyone for a long time, so his skills were very rusty.

With a single Sanshou move, he took the guy down. Zhang Zhirong tried again and was floored once more.

Li Changsheng didn't even dare to use much force, yet the kid's arm still got slightly dislocated. Li Changsheng felt the bone and then set it back in place.

Fortunately, it wasn't a big deal; he wouldn't have known what to do in a more complicated situation.

For minor issues like a dislocation, it wasn't difficult for him since he could use Internal Vision and had an extremely deep understanding of human joints and bones. For anything complex, he would need to specifically study the techniques.

"By the way, is there still no result on my end? How long do you plan to stay here?"

Li Changsheng sat on a chair, took a sip of water, and asked casually.

It wasn't that he was annoyed by the kid, but rather he hadn't seen any word from above regarding what the plan was.

"The higher-ups haven't said anything, but it should be soon. The case is being closed. Once the report is submitted, your reward, Brother Li, should be coming through soon.

But Brother Li... there's something I should tell you."

At this point, a look of worry appeared on Zhang Zhirong's face, accompanied by some hesitation.

Seeing this, Li Changsheng narrowed his eyes. He had been with Xiao Zhang for some time now and was quite familiar with him.

This man was very upright but often used chatter to hide his intentions. After being together for a while, he couldn't keep any secrets.

Right now, he looked guilty.

Li Changsheng had always felt this kid wasn't suited for this line of work. Of course, he wasn't a criminal investigator but was from the Household Registration Department; he was only sent here because he was Director Zhang's nephew.

As for the purpose, Li Changsheng knew and felt that Director Zhang was a decent person.

"Go ahead, what exactly is it?"

While looking at Zhang Zhirong, Li Changsheng took a sip of tea and acted casual.

"This... actually, it's..."

Zhang Zhirong was quite conflicted. His uncle had explicitly warned him never to tell Li Changsheng.

"But... he was someone who was sometimes easily swayed by his current emotions; otherwise, despite having a director for an uncle, he wouldn't still be working in the Household Registration Department."