Chapter 27: Battle Again

  Compared to his somewhat clever son, Xue Ping can be considered an old hand. At first, he didn't quite react in time and thought that Song Qing was just having a youthful outburst with his father standing by to help him out. He stiffened his neck and tried to put up a brave front, thinking that this would make him look like a hero.

  However, he soon discovered the problem. This kid from the Song family was too cunning. He wasn't being reckless and impulsive at all, but had clearly planned this out in advance, wanting to save face in front of everyone. This kid usually didn't say a word, not even making a sound when farting, who would have thought that he could be so eloquent now? With one swift remark, he not only dispelled his own intentions but also managed to drag the Emperor and Commander into this, if he continued speaking, he might really have no way to explain himself.

  After some deliberation, Xue Ping decided to play it smart and avoid a war of words with Song Qing, thinking that if he couldn't outdo him in an argument, he should at least be able to overpower him physically.

  Although Song Qing's name is quite big now, in his opinion, it's just a young man with good martial arts skills, what does it matter if he has someone's life on his hands? Xue Zong was also a ruthless killer when he was young, and although he's older now, his kung fu hasn't declined. He pointed at Song Qing and said: "You're glib and eloquent, I won't argue with you. This is the Great Ming Guard, naturally we settle things through martial arts. You, Song Qing, have always boasted about your exceptional martial arts skills, so today this official will exchange blows with you. If you win, then today's matter will be dropped. But if you lose..."

  "If I lose, Song Qing will accept whatever punishment you decide!" Song Qing didn't show any fear, smiling as he said: "However, if I happen to win a move or two, today's matter will be dropped, but you must agree to one condition of mine!"

  "What's wrong?"

  "If I agree, this small school ground will be used by me alone from now on. Without my permission, no one can come in!" Song Qing's face gradually turned cold and stern, his eyes fixed tightly on Xue Ping, saying word by word: "Including you, sir!"

  "You..."

  "What's wrong, is the adult afraid?"

  "What's there to be afraid of!" Xue Ping was not stupid, of course he knew that Song Qing was using the tactic of provoking him, but he had no choice. Not to mention in front of so many people, even if it were just the two of them alone, he couldn't lose face in front of Song Qing. He angrily said: "You little brat, this official will have a match with you, anyway your father is here watching, if you get hurt too badly, I can just carry you back!"

  "This humble servant also says so, and it just so happens that Xue Ming is here. If you were to get hurt, he would be happy to take care of you like a filial son."

  The meaning of this sentence is quite ambiguous, the role of filial son can be interpreted as its original meaning, and also can be interpreted as a son who wears mourning attire after his father's death. Xue Ping didn't know which one Song Qing meant, but either way was enough to make him furious, so he didn't say anything more and launched a two-fisted attack.

  Song Qing was already prepared and had been on guard while speaking, so when Xue Ping made a move, he immediately took a step back and assumed a defensive stance. He hadn't seen Xue Ping's martial arts skills before and didn't know his foundation, but having just fought with Xue Ming, although Hua Taosui's movements were flashy and not very practical, the basics were still solid. It was clear that he had only achieved this level of skill through self-practice while idling about, rather than being poorly taught by a martial arts instructor.

  Xue Ming's martial arts skills were taught by Xue Ping, and his son was no exception. As for the old man, it goes without saying that he was even more skilled. Song Hu's abilities were still known to some extent by Song Qing. The fact that Xue Ping could rival Song Hu in the Wei Guard for so many years, with neither able to overpower the other, suggests that he was no ordinary person. At the very least, he must have had a few tricks up his sleeve and wasn't easy to deal with.

  It turned out that this caution was indeed useful. Xue Ping's moves were not particularly new, but they were very effective, one by one, and it was clear that they were the kind of combat skills used on the battlefield. The force was also sufficient, and as soon as both arms were added, Song Qing knew that this opponent was not simple. He himself was also a big opening and closing style, and his strength was not smaller than Xue Ping's. However, he did not intend to come hard with the opponent. If they really wanted to fight to the death, it would not look good on the scene. Xue Ping might even risk his life on the spot.

  Although it is said that the situation has turned sour, Song Qing did not intend to fight to the death with Xue Ping here. Because in doing so, there would only be two outcomes: either he would be killed by Xue Ping or he would kill Xue Ping. Even if it were the latter, his days at the Wei Manor would not be easy afterwards. Having just taken office and killing his superior would not be a good reputation, especially in the Wei Manor where tradition is highly valued and family businesses are passed down through generations. The pressure of public opinion that he would have to bear was still not something he could withstand for the time being.

  So, Song Qing didn't rush to attack the opponent, but instead relied on his tall and powerful physique, sturdy resistance, and quick footsteps to open up a butterfly step and dance around the opponent. He slowly led the fight into his own rhythm, and unknowingly began to control Xue Ping's attacking strength and direction.

  The butterfly step is very useful in boxing and even free fighting, although it's a Western-style route, but it's indeed been developed over many years by countless people through gradual exploration. If you really encounter some national martial arts masters, you might be at a disadvantage, but against Xue Ping, a small Ming dynasty martial officer, it's an inexplicable advantage. However, after several rounds, Xue Ping found himself extremely passive and didn't know how to counter this strange fighting style.

  Xuzhou people are known for their bravery and martial arts skills, which can be compared to those of Cangzhou in Hebei Province. As a hereditary military household, Xue Ping naturally started training in martial arts from a young age and has sharp eyesight. He quickly discovered that Song Qing's fighting style was very unusual and particularly tricky. No matter how he attacked, he couldn't seem to land a hit, while his opponent kept dodging and defending. If he were to use this technique to launch a counterattack, it would be difficult to withstand. Feeling anxious, Xue Ping increased the intensity of his punches and kicks.

  Li Meng in the crowd looked envious, but also somewhat puzzled. These old brothers had seen Song Qing grow up and were very familiar with this honest and kind-hearted nephew who didn't have a bit of bravery. The previous time they saw him fighting against the bandits was not too impressive, but now seeing Song Qing having a great battle with Xue Ping's martial arts, first stabilizing the situation and now gradually gaining the upper hand, it was really hard to accept. He walked closer to ask Song Hu: "Big brother, Qing's fists and feet..."

  "I don't know either, probably secretly practicing at home, thinking of coming up with something surprising. Anyway, it's those things that bookworms always say, which seem ordinary but become extraordinary when something happens!" Song Hu's heart was warm and his face had an uncontrollable smile as he intentionally raised his voice: "I originally thought this kid just made some progress, but I didn't expect him to be evenly matched with our General Xue! It seems that these days of practice have indeed paid off!"

  Having heard this, Xue Ping's heart became even more anxious, fearing that people would think he was inferior to Song Qing. He grew increasingly flustered and his physical exertion naturally increased as well, revealing more and more openings that gradually appeared before Song Qing's eyes.

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