Chapter 58: Urgent Return to the Stronghold

It's going to explode! Kang'er is going to explode!

Martial Uncle, loosen up quickly! It's going to explode!

At that moment, Yang Kang felt a vast surge of internal energy madly rushing into his body; before long, he felt his interior approaching saturation, gradually producing a sensation of swelling.

He wanted to loosen his grip, but his small hand was tightly held by the Martial Uncle; he wanted to withdraw his energy, yet he had never learned how to withdraw.

In an instant, the internal energy continued to surge, swelling his chest and abdomen, his features began to twist; thinking of the stones that had just exploded, Yang Kang was instantly terrified out of his wits, and with difficulty begged Niu Zhaizhu for mercy.

Niu Dingtian paid no heed, still affectionately gripping his great-nephew's small hand.

Mother! Quickly save me!

Mother! Quickly save Kang'er!

Yang Kang saw the Martial Uncle unmoved, terrified to the point his little heart felt like it would burst, his face filled with panic as he directly cried out for his mother's help.

Niu Dingtian saw that the opponent's meridians could barely endure any longer, and immediately released his hand.

After freeing himself from the restraint, Yang Kang collapsed limp on the ground, motionless, panting.

Burp~

After a long while, his small mouth let out a deep burp.

Kang'er, have you felt the power of the North Darkness Divine Skill?

Niu Dingtian bent over, narrowed his eyes in a smile, stared at Yang Kang, and spoke.

Waa waa waa, Martial Uncle, you tricked me again! I'm going to tell my mother!

After regaining his composure, Yang Kang's little face was full of indignation, and with a tearful face he began to accuse.

Just now the Martial Uncle said he was only testing me, that it wouldn't explode!

But just now I almost exploded!

I must note it down in a little notebook, and later tell my mother!

Yang Kang's heart was filled with grief and indignation.

Try striking that small tree with a palm.

Niu Dingtian had already given a lesson, ignored the accusations, reached out and pointed to a nearby weeping willow, and instructed.

After hearing the Martial Uncle's words, he finally reacted. He stood up, involuntarily spreading his arms, feeling his whole body brimming with strength; he suddenly thought he could kill a bull!

That's how confident he was!

He then walked over and swung at the willow with a palm technique he had forgotten which master he learned it from.

He threw out a palm; a burst of forceful energy howled out, the palm wind struck the small willow, causing it to bend sharply, then sway back and forth, finally coming to a stop.

It didn't break?

Yang Kang, feeling indignant, raised his palm and wanted to try again.

Alright!

Niu Dingtian shouted to stop, slightly furrowed his brows, 'Where did you learn that lousy palm technique? You're wasting your internal energy for nothing!'

Afterward, the Martial Uncle will teach you two sets of palm techniques and one set of sword techniques.

Niu Zhaizhu pondered for a moment, then spoke in a deep voice. He also didn't want Yang Kang to later throw out such a palm and embarrass himself. Seeing that the sky was already late, he continued speaking.

Here there is also a verse of the North Darkness Divine Skill's heart method mantra; you must remember it carefully!

Upon hearing this, Yang Kang no longer competed with the willow, and immediately focused his attention to listen.

All that could be heard was that the Niu Martial Uncle had slowly opened his mouth:

Gather qi in the chest, disperse qi in the dantian; gathering and dispersing practiced together, naturally perfected.

With both hands embracing the Midnight-Noon Secret, the four gates tightly closed, guarding the center.

When myriad thoughts return to one and enter the void, sensing thus leads to the arising of true meaning.

Exhaling three inches, drawing it down to the heels, continuous and dense, sealed like a bottle,

Regardless of the qi mechanism stirring the viscera, blasting open the pores, connecting humanity and heaven.

Junior Brother, it's time to eat.

Not long after, a soft, alluring voice came over.

Bao Shijie has arrived!

He turned his head to look, and his eyes suddenly brightened.

At this moment, Bao Shijie had already changed into a village woman's attire; though dressed in coarse hemp, her graceful figure could not be concealed, adding a different charm.

Junior Brother, Kang'er, it's time to eat.

Seeing the Junior Brother not respond, Bao Shijie gave him an annoyed glance and called out again.

Senior Sister, what made you decide to change into this outfit?

Niu Dingtian was somewhat surprised, and thus asked; it wasn't that he lacked better clothes, and he had never seen the Senior Sister dress like this in childhood.

Putting on this outfit has made things much easier.

Bao Shijie laughed while explaining, then thought of something, and again gestured to urge.

Junior Brother, let's hurry back; I've cooked today's meal, and if we delay it'll get cold.

Oh?

Niu Dingtian was somewhat surprised.

He was also looking forward to it, so as he walked he said with a smile:

The last time I ate the Senior Sister's cooking was ten years ago.

Bao Shijie walking behind him, upon hearing this, didn't know what suddenly came to mind, but she suddenly felt a bit heavy-hearted.

The three returned to the building, where the table already held several familiar home-cooked dishes, the same ones they used to eat often at Mr. Bao's house when they were young.

Still the familiar taste!

Just like that, Niu Zhaizhu brought Bao Shijie and settled in Woniu Zhai. During that period, aside from teaching Yang Kang martial arts, he was guiding the other people in the stronghold in their practice.

Half a month later,

A group of people rushed into Woniu Zhai carrying a batch of supplies.

"Lord!"

The person who arrived was Niu Ben; having received Niu Dingtian's message a few days earlier, he immediately followed orders, nonstop, bringing manpower and supplies and rushing over.

"Lord! Fifth Uncle Niu is about to pass; it seems he has something he wants to tell you in person. Madam urges you to hurry back to the manor."

Upon seeing Niu Dingtian, Niu Ben hastily performed a salute, without bothering with pleasantries, and directly announced the unexpected news, which suddenly made Niu Dingtian feel somewhat oppressed.

He had always felt a special closeness to Fifth Uncle Niu since childhood, so hearing the tragic news, his feelings can be imagined.

"What exactly is the situation?"

Niu Dingtian frowned, then asked in a low voice.

"Lord, when I and Niu Qing rushed back to the manor, Fifth Uncle Niu was already on his last breath. The manor's divine physician Yan examined him and could only prescribe medicine to keep him alive, saying he had many old injuries on his body, appearing"

"It doesn't look like he's an ordinary villager."

Niu Ben did not dare to hesitate; the information he spoke left Niu Dingtian greatly surprised.

Old injuries from adulthood? Fifth Uncle Niu isn't an ordinary villager of Niu Village?

Niu Dingtian felt a bit dazed.

"Fifth Uncle Niu has been asking when you, Lord, will return to the manor, saying he has something very important to tell you in person. Madam asked him, but he wouldn't say, only saying to wait for your return."

Niu Ben began to explain again.

"Alright! I understand. First go prepare the carriage; I'll set out shortly. You, bring the people you brought and temporarily keep them in the stronghold. Following my previous instructions, manage the stronghold well, and leave the specific matters to Zhu Quan and Liu Da to handle."

"Yes! Lord."

Niu Ben accepted the order.

After giving the orders, Niu Dingtian did not dare to delay any further; he immediately summoned Bao Shijie and Yang Kang.

"Shijie, there is an urgent matter at the manor; we must return now."

"Mother! I don't want to go back!"

Upon hearing this news, Yang Kang beside them became somewhat excited; he already felt reluctant to leave this place.

Besides, who would he go to absorb energy from if he returns? Would he have to absorb from his own uncle's master? He wouldn't dare!

"Kang'er! You."

Upon hearing this, Bao Shijie's brows furrowed; she was about to scold, when Niu Dingtian beside her spoke up:

"Shijie, let Kang'er stay here; I will order someone to look after him, and also give him some training."

Seeing her junior brother speak, Bao Shijie thought it over and then nodded in agreement.

"Hehe. Thank you, Uncle Master!"

Half an hour later

Niu Dingtian took his senior sister and left the stronghold, heading straight south.

(End of chapter)