Chapter 218: Why Not Dodge

Lin Xiao wasn’t boasting. Even though he had only watched the demonstration once, with his comprehension skills and insight, combined with Old Master Chen’s detailed explanations of each move and technique, he had already deeply imprinted every detail of the Chen-style Fist in his mind.

It was foreseeable that, with more practice to grasp its essence, his combat power would see a significant improvement.

“Old Master, thank you!” Lin Xiao sincerely bowed to Old Master Chen.

Old Master Chen patted Lin Xiao’s shoulder and stepped towards the door, “Stay here and comprehend the technique thoroughly. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me later.”

After Old Master Chen left, Lin Xiao immediately sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes.

In his mind’s eye, it was as if he saw an ethereal figure practicing the Chen-style Fist. Lin Xiao’s spirit was highly focused, eagerly absorbing every part of it.

Time passed.

Lin Xiao, still deep in meditation, suddenly caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance and heard faint footsteps.

From the sound of the footsteps alone, Lin Xiao could tell that the person approaching was Chen Lingxin.

“You’re here?” Lin Xiao asked calmly without opening his eyes.

He wasn’t at all surprised by Chen Lingxin’s arrival.

“Yes, Master, I’m here,” Chen Lingxin replied playfully, making a funny face. “Master, didn’t you say you would teach me some techniques last time? I wouldn’t miss that.”

“You forget many things because of your carefree nature, but you remembered this quite well.”

“Of course! I might forget everything else, but I won’t forget this,” Chen Lingxin said, puffing out her chest with pride.

Seeing Chen Lingxin’s demeanor, Lin Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle. However, this was also one of the things he valued about her—the sincere dedication to martial arts.

“Alright then, but I don’t know how to teach you martial arts techniques. I only know how to teach you to fight,” Lin Xiao said, nodding. “Are you willing to learn?”

Chen Lingxin’s spirit lifted, and she nodded without hesitation, “I am willing!”

“The learning process will be painful, and you might get injured.”

“I am not afraid of hardship, only of not being strong enough,” Chen Lingxin said firmly. “Practicing martial arts inherently involves enduring hardship. I’m not afraid of it. Besides, Grandpa is old, and Father’s strength can hardly support our school. If it weren’t for you, Master, the school might have already closed. But you can’t support it forever, so I must become stronger. Only by becoming stronger can I protect Chen’s Martial Arts Hall.”

“Since you’ve already made up your mind, I won’t say more. Let’s start now,” Lin Xiao said, standing up.

“To improve combat skills, there’s no shortcut. The only way is through continuous fighting. Attack me with all your strength so I can see your capability.”

“Yes, Master!”

Chen Lingxin took a deep breath, stood up, and positioned herself two meters away from Lin Xiao.

She had always clamored to spar with Lin Xiao, but now, standing in front of him, she realized how extraordinarily nervous she felt, her heart pounding rapidly.

The reason was simple. The sense of oppression emanating from Lin Xiao was overwhelming.

Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed, his body leaning slightly forward into an attacking stance.

Even such a subtle movement brought immense pressure on Chen Lingxin.

Chen Lingxin’s cherry lips tightened as her bright eyes shone with determination. She forced herself to forget all the nervousness. With a quick push of her toes against the ground, her well-proportioned body sprang up. Her long, sturdy leg kicked toward Lin Xiao’s chin.

Chen Lingxin’s fundamentals were solid, and she had extensive combat experience. This kick was sharp, combining both power and speed, making it extremely difficult to dodge.

However, Lin Xiao casually extended his hand and caught her ankle.

“Your speed is too slow, your strength too weak. When dealing with an enemy, you must fight like a lion pouncing on a rabbit, using your full strength and leaving no chance for your opponent.”

After speaking, Lin Xiao exerted force with his arm. He lifted Chen Lingxin’s body and threw her out.

Bang!

Chen Lingxin hit the floor hard, rolling several times before stopping.

A groan escaped her throat as the impact was so powerful and quick, she felt as though her body was about to fall apart.

“I told you, use all your strength to attack me. Right now, I am not your master, nor your friend. I am your enemy,” Lin Xiao said without any emotion, his eyes showing no hint of compassion. “If you think I’ll go easy on you, you are gravely mistaken.”

Gritting her teeth, Chen Lingxin performed a kip-up, springing back onto her feet and charging at Lin Xiao once again.

This time, she learned her lesson. She immediately used her best techniques. She refrained from kicking and instead employed the “Right Hammer Fist” from the Chen family’s martial arts, striking straight towards Lin Xiao’s chest.

Lin Xiao’s body swayed as he took a step back. He raised his left hand with his fingers bent, reaching toward Chen Lingxin.

This grasp was as fast as lightning. Chen Lingxin trusted Lin Xiao immensely and never expected him to use such a sneaky move. Thus, she had no intention of dodging, instead, she continued her attack.

The next moment, Lin Xiao’s left hand grabbed Chen Lingxin.

Fortunately, Lin Xiao reacted quickly and retracted most of his strength.

Chen Lingxin’s body trembled as if she had been electrocuted. Her attack toward Lin Xiao abruptly halted, and she raised her eyes to stare directly at Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao was also taken aback, his left hand still holding onto Chen Lingxin, forgetting to let go. He met her gaze and locked eyes with her.

A few seconds later.

Chen Lingxin finally came back to her senses, letting out a startled cry, hastily withdrawing her hands to cover her chest, and taking several steps back. Her gaze toward Lin Xiao turned strange.

“Master, you… you…”

Chen Lingxin bit her lower lip, a blush rising on her cheeks, her expression a mix of coyness and joy as if she had something to say but couldn’t.

The place where Lin Xiao had grabbed still hurt a little, but amidst the pain was a tingling sensation she had never experienced before. It made her almost unable to stand steadily.

Lin Xiao quietly withdrew his hand.

He felt quite frustrated. He didn’t know how to explain.

That move just now was entirely accidental. He originally planned to grab Chen Lingxin’s collar and then throw her, but he didn’t expect her to be completely unguarded and not avoid his attack at all. She even deliberately moved toward his hand.

Although Chen Lingxin usually wore loose training clothes, her body was quite well-proportioned.

After a while, Lin Xiao suppressed the chaotic thoughts in his mind and said sternly.

“Why didn’t you dodge?”