"The Five Tiger Fist is divided into five sections, each featuring movements called ’Crossing the Tiger’ and ’Standing Tiger,’ hence the name Five Tiger Fist."
Zhao Ya was explaining the principles of the Five Tiger Fist to Big Eye Lamp and Erqiangzi.
The two children stood there, listening intently, not daring to miss a single detail.
Compared to a few days ago, their condition was much better; although they were still very thin, their faces had at least regained some color.
Erqiangzi’s perpetual runny nose was nowhere to be seen, and he had changed his clothes.
Although they weren’t new clothes, at least they were better than his previous ragged ones.
Seeing their serious demeanor, Zhao Ya couldn’t help but nod approvingly.
These two little fellows might be young, but they had a strong sense of determination.
It was they who actively sought out Zhao Ya, asking to learn martial arts from him.
Zhao Ya had previously promised them that, although he couldn’t formally take them as disciples, he could still instruct them in some martial arts techniques.
With this in mind, Zhao Ya had no intention of breaking his word.
He planned to teach them the Five Tiger Fist that he had learned when he first entered the martial world.
"This fist technique combines hardness and softness, training both internally and externally. Although it is only considered a third-rate technique, it is quite suitable for beginners. Now, I will demonstrate it once, so watch carefully."
With that, Zhao Ya leaped into the courtyard, stepping forward and punching in a sequence, carefully demonstrating the Five Tiger Fist.
At first, Zhao Ya’s punches were slow, but as the momentum of the movements developed, his speed increased.
By the end, all that could be seen were a flurry of fist shadows, accompanied by a sound like a tiger’s roar.
Big Eye Lamp and Erqiangzi were forced to retreat under the overwhelming fierce aura, their faces somewhat pale.
By the time Zhao Ya finished the set, the two were already backed into a corner of the wall.
The more they found themselves in this position, the more excited they became.
After all, the more powerful the technique, the stronger they would be once they learned it.
Just thinking about becoming respected martial artists made them eager to start learning immediately.
"How do you find this fist technique? Want to learn it?" Zhao Ya asked.
Big Eye Lamp and Erqiangzi nodded frantically.
Erqiangzi even gave a thumbs-up, "Master Zhao, I’ve secretly watched those street performers before, but none of them were as good as you."
"Nonsense, those are just charlatans. Master Zhao has the real skills; how could they even compare?" Big Eye Lamp scolded, then respectfully turned to Zhao Ya.
"Master Zhao, we really want to learn this fist technique. Please teach us."
"Fine! If you want to learn, I can teach you, but you must remember," Zhao Ya said seriously.
"The path of martial arts is extremely difficult and requires great effort. When I teach you, there will be no leniency. If you slack off, there will be punishment, so think carefully."
The two showed no hesitation and immediately nodded in agreement.
Erqiangzi even laughed, "Don’t worry, Master Zhao. I’ve been used to getting hit since I was a kid. If I don’t practice well, you don’t have to say anything. Just slap me, and I promise not to cry."
And so Zhao Ya began teaching them the most basic movements of the fist technique.
Since neither had any foundation, and their bodies were still weak, Zhao Ya only taught them two moves each day.
Additionally, when Zhao Ya bought his own dried meat, he also purchased some suitable beginner dried meat for them.
This stuff was much cheaper than in Wuxiang City; it only cost a little over an ounce of silver for a pack.
One pack would last the two of them over ten days.
So when the shopkeeper at the Celestial Wave Dried Meat Shop realized this, he simply gave Zhao Ya a few packs for free.
After all, Zhao Ya was considered a big customer at the Celestial Wave Dried Meat Shop, consuming several dozen ounces of Golden-Spotted Black Eel each month.
In comparison, a little beginner dried meat barely counted.
Yet, this small gesture moved Big Eye Lamp and Erqiangzi to tears.
Erqiangzi even dropped to his knees with a thud, expressing his gratitude to Zhao Ya.
It left Zhao Ya a bit dumbfounded until he helped him up and found out the reason.
Erqiangzi had lost his father at a young age, and his mother remarried. His stepfather was an alcoholic who, besides drinking, did nothing but beat them.
So Erqiangzi had been wandering the streets since he was young, doing anything for a bite to eat, even imitating a dog.
As he put it, no one had ever been this kind to him.
After hearing this, Zhao Ya couldn’t help but sigh.
These were indeed unfortunate children.
With the help of the dried meat, the two made rapid progress, learning the entire Five Tiger Fist set in just a few days.
Now they just needed to practice slowly. This was a process that couldn’t be rushed.
So Zhao Ya told them they didn’t need to come every day, just practice diligently at home and come every few days to show their progress.
The two thanked him profusely as they left.
Zhao Ya then focused on practicing his own martial arts.
A few days ago, he had just unlocked his kidney’s potential, and he was making rapid progress.
With an ample supply of dried meat, Zhao Ya felt his skills improving day by day.
Just as Zhao Ya was immersed in his training, trouble came knocking at his door.
One day, Zhao Ya was practicing martial arts in the hall with his master, Lu Dingtai.
Suddenly, Gu Mingdong came running in, flustered.
"Master, Junior Master, the people from Chenfeng Martial Arts Hall have suddenly arrived. They are in the front courtyard, demanding to see you, Master."