36: Chapter 36 Xingyi vs. Bajiquan

"Kid, I didn't expect you to have some skill! How long have you been practicing Xingyi Quan?"

A-Qiang, the leader, feigned composure and asked coldly, but the contempt in his eyes had vanished without a trace, replaced by profound wariness.

He stepped forward slowly, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, staring intently at Qin Yi, trying to find any flaw in Qin Yi's face, which was as calm as still water.

Qin Yi smiled slightly and replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, "I have practiced Xingyi Quan for several years, but true kung fu lies in the heart, not in time."

A-Qiang was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. "A fine 'lies in the heart'! Today, I want to see if your heart can withstand the ferocity of my Eight Extremities Fist!"

Before his voice had even faded, A-Qiang's Aura erupted like a tiger about to undergo Awakening. He assumed the 'Two Poles Peak' stance of the Eight Extremities Fist, his feet planted like a rock, his center of gravity lowering, and his fists clenched like two unsheathed sharp blades, ready to strike.

Seeing this, Qin Yi also withdrew his smile and solemnly assumed the starting Three-Body Stance of Xingyi Quan, preparing to meet the impending fierce attack.

In the next moment, the real battle began.

Unsure of the depth of A-Qiang's strength, Qin Yi decided to seize the initiative and launch the first attack.

With a movement like a tiger descending a mountain, Qin Yi threw a punch straight at his opponent's face.

This punch incorporated the essence of the 'Crushing Fist' from Xingyi Quan. It was swift and fierce; wherever the fist wind reached, the air seemed to be torn apart, letting out a faint whistling sound.

Seeing this, A-Qiang narrowed his eyes, bent his legs slightly, and leaned back, skillfully evading the punch.

At the same time, he kicked off the ground forcefully, his body shooting out like a cannonball. His hands turned into eagle claws, lunging straight for Qin Yi's chest with the sound of breaking air.

This Move was the famous 'Iron Mountain Lean' of the Eight Extremities Fist. Its power was astonishing; a single hit would be enough to severely injure Qin Yi.

Qin Yi remained unfazed. He twisted his body, as flexible as a wandering Dragon, and skillfully avoided the fatal blow.

Simultaneously, Qin Yi countered with a right-hand punch. The fist's momentum was like a flood dragon emerging from the sea, aimed straight for A-Qiang's jaw.

This Move was the 'Dragon Form Fist' of Xingyi Quan. Amidst the Dragon's rolls and turns, the fist's momentum was incomparably powerful.

Sensing things were going poorly, A-Qiang hurriedly retreated, while simultaneously turning his palms into blades and slashing horizontally.

This palm strike was the 'Splitting Hanging Palm' of the Eight Extremities Fist. The palm wind was sharp, like a knife or a sword.

However, Qin Yi seemed to have anticipated his opponent's Move. He flickered away, evading the palm strike.

At the same time, he used a 'Mud-Treading Step' with his left foot, instantly closing the distance between him and A-Qiang.

In the next instant, Qin Yi clenched both fists and launched a fierce attack like twin dragons emerging from the sea, striking from both left and right.

Although A-Qiang's Eight Extremities Fist was fierce, he gradually showed signs of fatigue under Qin Yi's tide-like offensive. Out of necessity, he could only switch from offense to defense.

However, prolonged defense caused his physical strength and concentration to slip, and openings began to appear.

Qin Yi keenly captured this opportunity. He straightened his body, poised like a leopard ready to pounce.

He clenched his right fist and struck out with all his strength. This punch, which Fusioned the essence of Xingyi Quan, was like Mount Tai pressing down, unstoppable.

Though A-Qiang tried his best to resist, the power of Qin Yi's punch far exceeded his expectations.

He felt an irresistible surge of force impact him, and his body was sent flying backward involuntarily.

After tracing an arc in the air, he smashed heavily into the glass door of the shop.

With a loud "crash," the glass door shattered instantly under the massive impact. Shards of glass flew everywhere, making a piercing sound that echoed through the mall.

A-Qiang lay amidst the broken glass shards, his face as pale as paper, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

He struggled to lift his head and looked at Qin Yi, his eyes filled with resentment and shock.

Qin Yi stood where he was. Although his breathing was a bit hurried, his face bore an indescribable excitement.

When he first started fighting those five thugs, Qin Yi was still following the impressions of Xingyi Quan in his mind. Although he had knocked those five down, he always felt his movements were a bit stiff and unrefined.

However, during the battle with the Eight Extremities Fist, the situation underwent a world-shaking change.

Qin Yi found himself as if placed in a brand-new combat rhythm. Every movement of his became more fluid and natural, as if a never-before-seen tacit understanding had been reached between his body and soul.

At a certain moment, he was surprised to find his movements were even faster and more precise than what his mind could conceive, as if he had reached the supreme martial Realm of 'Heart and Intent as One'.

Often, while Qin Yi's thoughts were still trying to analyze the intent behind his opponent's Moves, his body had already reacted instinctively, accurately blocking the opponent's attack or countering skillfully with an amazing Move.

This improvisation in actual combat allowed him to truly experience the joy and benefits of fighting against a master.

Presumably, this was the benefit of real combat with a master.

No wonder in Wuxia novels, there are always martial idiots who love to challenge the world's masters...

...

However, the loud noise quickly broke the tranquility of the mall. Security guards moved upon hearing the news, brandishing batons as they rushed to the scene, while immediately dialing the police.

At the same time, shopping guides and customers from nearby stores were also attracted by the sudden conflict and ran over to watch.

They talked animatedly, curiously inquiring about what had happened. The order of the mall became chaotic because of this fight.

Qin Yi stood inside the shop, becoming the focus of everyone's attention.

His posture was tall and straight, his gaze firm, as if everything was under his control.

Inside the Armani shop, several shopping guides were also dumbstruck by the sight before them. Including Xu Qian, none of them expected that Qin Yi could actually fight so well.

At this moment, they even forgot about calling the police, just standing there blankly, their eyes looking at Qin Yi filled with little hearts.

Young, handsome, wealthy, and possessing martial arts skills—such a Qin Yi was as dazzling as a martial arts movie star in their eyes.

...

A short while later, Qin Yi walked over to A-Qiang's side and crouched down to carefully check his injuries.

Seeing that his face was pale and there was blood on the corner of his mouth, but his breathing was still steady, Qin Yi finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, if he really killed someone, no matter how much money he had, he would inevitably get into a lot of trouble.

"Still want to fight?" Qin Yi looked at A-Qiang. Though his voice was cold, a trace of concern showed in his eyes.

A-Qiang gave a bitter smile and shook his head. By now, he understood that there was a vast disparity in strength between him and Qin Yi.

Continuing to fight would not only be futile but might also worsen his injuries.

Moreover, he didn't even have the strength to stand up now. To have kept his life was already a great fortune.

He struggled to raise both hands, cupping them in a salute to Qin Yi. His voice was weak but incredibly sincere: "No more. I admit defeat. Your strength is far above mine. I am thoroughly defeated."

Just then, four police officers pushed through the crowd of onlookers and rushed over.