Chapter 94: Sparring

"Hahaha, there's nothing amazing about it. At the very beginning, I just wanted to change the living environment; back then, the wind was strong, and if you stepped outside, you'd get a mouthful of sand."

"Now, with the expansion of the green space, the wind has lessened, and the sand is gone. If only this whole area were green space," Grandfather said, pointing into the distance.

"There will be such a day."

Zhang Ping'an's heart stirred; he could plant a few batches of grass in the few mu of land in his space. Perhaps he could improve the variety and make the grass more drought-resistant and hardy.

Zhang Ping'an quietly collected quite a bit of grass, stored it in his space, and let it grow, intending to take the seeds and scatter them on this land when he was ready to leave.

"Yes, there will be such a day."

The two of them and their three horses walked aimlessly across the grassland, and Zhang Ping'an once again felt the vastness and sparse population of Beijiang.

From Grandfather's house to here, there were only twenty or so households, all with buildings similar to Grandfather's.

"Grandfather, do you know all the residents in this area?"

"I do. Quite a few are your grandfather's former comrades-in-arms; they all moved here after retiring."

"Where do the eldest uncle and the others usually live?"

"About a hundred miles further ahead, in the town there. We usually buy supplies like salt there too. Once you're familiar with this place, we'll go visit your two uncles and your aunt to pay our respects."

"Okay."

"Let's head back; the sun is about to get fierce."

"Okay."

Grandfather gave a whistle, and the three horses trotted over happily. The two of them vaulted onto their horses and headed home.

"Grandfather, Ping'an, you're finally back."

"What is it, Jianguo?"

"Cough, it's nothing much, I just want to introduce a new friend to Ping'an."

"Hehe, alright, you young people go ahead and chat."

"Ping'an, come here, come here. This is my good brother Wasta Alifu. Wasta, this is my cousin Zhang Ping'an."

"Hello, friend from the Mainland."

"Hello, Wasta."

Zhang Ping'an hadn't paid much attention yesterday, but seeing him today, his height was actually more imposing than his own, and he was very sturdy—on par with the "big muscle man" Zhang Ping'an from before.

The current Zhang Ping'an did look slightly thin and small in front of him; it was no wonder Wasta had dared to "talk big" yesterday.

"Ping'an, Wasta is the sturdiest man around here. He's practiced since he was a child, and he goes hunting in the mountains over there from time to time."

"I told him you have great strength, so he wants to spar with you."

"They value the strong around here. We usually just horse around, but if we fought for real, I wouldn't be his match," Dong Jianguo whispered.

"Friend from the Mainland, please."

"Okay."

Zhang Ping'an didn't shy away. He knew several types of fist and palm techniques; beating one person would be easy.

"Whoa, this guy really has quite a bit of strength. His fist and leg techniques aren't simple either," Zhang Ping'an thought to himself. An ordinary person really wouldn't be his match.

The two traded blows. Dong Jianguo's expression shifted constantly on the sidelines; it seemed Wasta had truly been just playing around with him before.

Zhang Ping'an usually practiced on his own, and this time, seeing a worthy opponent, he felt delighted. His fist and palm techniques became even more fluid and integrated. Wasta gradually fell into a disadvantage and was finally pushed back by a palm strike from Zhang Ping'an.

"Friend, you are very strong. I am no match for you," Wasta panted like an ox, clearly having expended a lot of energy.

"Wasta, you are also very impressive," Zhang Ping'an said, appearing calm and collected.

Zhang Ping'an was speaking the truth. His current skills and physical fitness, even if not the absolute peak of this world, were likely not far off. That Wasta could trade blows with him for so long was no small feat, even though he had only used thirty percent of his strength.

"Well, well, Wasta, so you were that strong and were holding back. And you, Ping'an, who did you learn all that from?"

"I practiced on my own. If you want to learn, I can teach you."

"Okay."

Seeing his good buddy Wasta was so strong, Dong Jianguo also became serious. He had thought he could go toe-to-toe with Wasta; he hadn't expected it to have been his own delusion all along.

However, thinking that he could learn a few moves from his cousin and perhaps actually be able to go toe-to-toe, Dong Jianguo became excited again.

What man doesn't have a martial arts dream? Just seeing the two of them trading blows had made Dong Jianguo envious.

But when Wasta heard Dong Jianguo's words, he gave a bitter smile. He had also thought he had the victory in the bag, only to be slapped by reality. Seeing Zhang Ping'an's calm and collected appearance, he feared even his own father might not be able to beat him.

"Jianguo, your cousin is very strong. We'll spar again when we have the chance. I'm heading back now."

"Okay."

"What is this Wasta's background?"

"Just an ordinary hunter. His home is not far ahead from here."

"……"

"His father, Watuo, used to be an apprentice of traditional Beijiang martial arts. He excels in fist and leg techniques and is also a famous hunter in the vicinity. Wasta has been trained by his father since he was a child, but he rarely fights others," Grandfather said.

"He usually just horse-plays with Jianguo, using at most a bit of wrestling. This time, Wasta probably didn't expect you to be so strong, Ping'an. He brought out all his best skills, but still lost. This kid is probably feeling quite discouraged."

"Let's go over this afternoon to clear things up, otherwise his father, Watuo, is very protective of his own."

"Okay."

As soon as Zhang Ping'an entered the house, Lele came stumbling toward him.

"Lele, slow down."

"Oof!" Zhang Ping'an hurriedly took two steps forward to catch her and lifted her high.

"Giggle, giggle, giggle."

"This little one, she only recognizes her brother now. She runs over as soon as she hears his voice."

"Ping'an, Lele saw you and Dad riding out on horseback earlier. She was squirming in my arms, insisting on chasing after you."

"Hahaha."

Zhang Ping'an also discovered that after this half-month journey, his younger brother had indeed become more attached to him.

"Wasta, why are you so dejected after going out for a trip?"

"Ata, I..." Wasta found it somewhat difficult to speak, as he had, after all, been defeated by someone younger than himself.

In the end, under the oppressive gaze of his Ata, Wasta recounted the details of the matter.

"Oh? You mean you couldn't beat the cousin mentioned by Jianguo? Tell me specifically."

"When I fought him, I was no match for him in either technique or strength; I had exhausted more than half my stamina, while he was still relaxed."

"It seems this person from inside the pass is not simple; he likely comes from a renowned school."

Watuo understood the son he had raised with his own hands quite well; in terms of martial arts techniques, Wasta was already no weaker than him, only slightly inferior in strength, and would surely surpass him in time. If this person from inside the pass could easily defeat his son, he must have been guided by a famous master.

"Alright Wasta, you don't need to be discouraged. There are quite a few people in our Beijiang who can beat you, not to mention that the culture of the Central Plains is broad and profound, with many talented people."

In the afternoon, Zhang Ping'an and Dong Jianguo followed their grandfather to Wasta's home.

"Watuo, Wasta."

"Grandpa Dong."

"Uncle Dong, is this your grandson? He is indeed a man of talent."

Zhang Ping'an saw a man with a tiger's back and a bear's waist, possessing a slight layer of fat over his muscles and an imposing aura; Watuo was only in his thirties, currently at the peak of a man's physical strength.

"Hahaha, that's right, Watuo, he is my grandson, Zhang Ping'an."

"Hello, Uncle Watuo."

"Good, 'a hero is born of a youth'—that is certainly true."

Watuo could be considered an expert, especially since he had hunted for many years, and his intuition was very accurate; this harmless-looking youth actually gave him a very dangerous feeling.

"Uncle Dong, come in and sit."

Zhang Ping'an followed the others inside; good heavens, there were many blankets made of animal fur inside, as well as decorations like antlers; it seemed this Watuo was indeed an expert at hunting.