Lin Xiao Tian walked out and saw a familiar face appear before him.
This person was none other than the one the Lin family's old matriarch had sent to test his skills before. They had even sparred, and the man was quite formidable.
Lin Xiao Tian remembered his name.
"My name is Xu Xiao Ming. We've met before, and we fought to a draw back then," Xiao Ming said calmly.
Lin Xiao Tian smiled slightly, "Welcome!"
Following that, Xiao Ming's gaze fell upon Fang Yan and Fang Ying.
"Are you two professional bodyguards? How can you not even deal with a single assassin? It was the same at the hotel last time; if it weren't for this person's help, Miss would have been in danger!" Xiao Ming said sternly to the two.
The two lowered their heads, knowing they were in the wrong and barely daring to breathe.
What Xiao Ming was referring to was the incident when Fang Wen Hua had planned to announce Lin Li Wen's pregnancy at the hotel. They had encountered assassins then, and as bodyguards, they hadn't even reacted.
"Forget it, the opponent was indeed quite skilled. I had a bout with him last night," Lin Xiao Tian explained for the two women.
Hearing Lin Xiao Tian defend them, the two women felt a surge of gratitude.
Xiao Ming pouted, "You're too kind. What if something had actually happened? As bodyguards, putting your employer in danger is a dereliction of duty."
Seeing Xiao Ming's relentless questioning, the two women lowered their heads even further.
Lin Xiao Tian, sensing the awkward atmosphere, quickly invited Xiao Ming inside.
He had tested Xiao Ming's strength and found him to be the most formidable among all those he had sparred with. If Xiao Ming had been present last night, that short man would not have lasted a single move.
In the following period, with Xiao Ming stationed there, Lin Jinsha Village became much more peaceful.
There were sporadic attempts by assassins, but Xiao Ming repelled them all.
Lin Xiao Tian couldn't help but admire Xiao Ming. As an ordinary person without internal energy, Xiao Ming had performed perfectly.
During this time, Lin Xiao Tian and Xiao Ming became much more familiar with each other.
Xiao Ming also often sought Lin Xiao Tian for sparring matches. However, he never managed to gain any advantage over Lin Xiao Tian, while Lin Xiao Tian consistently suppressed him.
"Xiao Ming, do you know about internal energy?"
One day, after a sparring session, Lin Xiao Tian suddenly asked Xiao Ming.
"Of course, I know. It's often written about in novels," Xiao Ming replied casually.
"Then do you know if such a thing as internal energy exists in reality?" Lin Xiao Tian asked again.
Xiao Ming waved his hand, indicating it was impossible.
Lin Xiao Tian smiled faintly, "What if I told you that such a thing as internal energy truly exists?"
Xiao Ming was about to say it was impossible again, but upon seeing the serious expression on Lin Xiao Tian's face, he stopped himself abruptly.
"It really exists?"
Lin Xiao Tian nodded.
"You're not fooling me, are you?"
"Why would I fool you? If you don't believe me, I'll teach you!"
Xiao Ming's interest was immediately piqued.
"Alright! I want to see if such a thing truly exists," Xiao Ming said, rubbing his hands together.
"However, before that, I'll have to trouble you a bit," Lin Xiao Tian suddenly said.
"If such a thing truly exists, what's a little trouble?"
Seeing Xiao Ming's firm resolve, Lin Xiao Tian hesitated no longer.
He moved closer to Xiao Ming and said, "Xiao Ming, I'm going to open your Ren and Du meridians now. It's going to hurt quite a bit!"
Xiao Ming chuckled, "Do as you please. My shoulders are strong!"
Although Xiao Ming saw how serious Lin Xiao Tian was, the concept of Ren and Du meridians still sounded too fantastical, and he didn't quite believe it.
But in the next moment, a scream echoed.
"Ah..."
Instantly, several people rushed towards them.
"What happened?" Liang Xu was the first to arrive.
He had sensed the sound coming from Lin Xiao Tian's direction and thought something had gone wrong.
Fang Yan and Fang Ying, one stayed with Qin Yu Xiang, and the other also ran over.
Several villagers also gathered around.
When they saw the two individuals present, especially when they saw Lin Xiao Tian rubbing Xiao Ming's back, the scene was quite something!
With every inch Lin Xiao Tian moved his hand, Xiao Ming let out a yelp.
Upon seeing everyone gather around, Lin Xiao Tian signaled them not to panic.
"Xiao Tian, sparring is one thing, but you can't actually fight!" a villager reminded Lin Xiao Tian.
Liang Xu also rushed over, asking Lin Xiao Tian what had happened.
"Everyone, please don't worry. I'm opening Xiao Ming's meridians for him! It will be done soon," Lin Xiao Tian said in a calm tone.
"Opening meridians?"
This novel term immediately sparked discussion among the crowd.
"N-no... no, Xiao Tian is... opening my meridians. Don't worry," Xiao Ming explained stammeringly, clearly in great pain.
Hearing Xiao Ming's explanation, the crowd's expressions finally softened.
Liang Xu also breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Xiao Ming was from the Lin family, and he was truly afraid that Lin Xiao Tian might have done something to him.
Opening the meridians didn't take too long, only about ten minutes before Lin Xiao Tian finished.
"Xiao Ming, get up and try punching?"
Driven by curiosity, Xiao Ming complied.
Soon, Xiao Ming threw more than a dozen punches, observed by Liang Xu.
"My fists... feel so light and swift!"
Xiao Ming's eyes widened.
Just moments ago, he discovered that the bottleneck in his boxing he had been unable to break through had finally been overcome.
"Th-this..." Xiao Ming looked at Lin Xiao Tian in astonishment.
"Congratulations, you have now officially taken the first step into the martial arts," Lin Xiao Tian said solemnly.
In the path of martial arts, besides external martial arts, the most important thing is internal cultivation.
And internal cultivation requires the support of internal energy.
However, not everyone can practice internal cultivation; only those with extraordinary talent have such an opportunity.
Xiao Ming happened to be one of them.
From their interactions over the past few days, Lin Xiao Tian had discovered that Xiao Ming was a person worth befriending, unpretentious, and very forthright.
Seeing their predestined connection, Lin Xiao Tian had helped Xiao Ming open his Ren and Du meridians.
Of course, Lin Xiao Tian had not chosen Liang Xu, Fang Ying, or Fang Ying because their talent was insufficient. Opening their meridians would be of no use and would instead cause them pain for days in bed due to injuries.
Feeling the subtle changes in his body, Xiao Ming was so excited he could barely speak. He was a martial arts fanatic who had always aspired to become stronger, and now, Lin Xiao Tian had helped him take a significant leap forward.
Thinking this, Xiao Ming suddenly bowed to Lin Xiao Tian.
"Xiao Tian, from today onwards, you are my master. Master, I pay my respects."
Seeing Xiao Ming about to bow, Lin Xiao Tian quickly supported him.
"Brother, I cannot accept such a grand gesture. If you wish to learn, I will teach you. As for how much you comprehend, it depends on your own fortune."