Wang Mang possessed immense strength. He wielded a large iron hammer specially prepared for him by Xu Yuehuai, and each strike was powerful and heavy, causing the air to buzz.
Li Feng, on the other hand, won by skill. His swordsmanship was flexible and unpredictable, and his defense was watertight. The two exchanged blows on the field, and it was difficult to determine who was better.
As the sun rose higher, the competition in the training ground drew to a close. Sweat soaked their clothes, but everyone's face was filled with satisfaction and joy.
The duel between Yan Qing and Qi Zi'ang finally came to an end amidst a series of rapid sword cries. Yan Qing skillfully deflected Qi Zi'ang's fierce attack with an exquisite move called "Returning Wind and Falling Geese," and then gently parried his longsword. The two stopped simultaneously, smiled at each other, and the arena erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
"Uncle Yan Qing is amazing!" Qi Zi'ang exclaimed sincerely, his eyes showing no disappointment, only admiration and longing for the strong.
Yan Qing smiled slightly and replied humbly, "I dare not accept such praise. If I weren't older than you and hadn't experienced more trials and tribulations over the years, I would definitely have lost to you, this rising star."
Seeing this, Qi Zixin immediately darted out from the side, grabbed Qi Ziang's arm, and said triumphantly, "Brother is the best, but Uncle Yanqing is great too!"
At this moment, although Wang Mang possessed immense strength, he was ultimately struggling against Li Feng's fluid and unpredictable swordsmanship. His repeated heavy blows were easily deflected by Li Feng, and finally, during one of his attempts at a strong attack, Li Feng found an opening and struck him in the chest, ending the match.
Although Wang Mang was defeated, he showed no sign of frustration. Instead, he laughed heartily and gave Li Feng a thumbs up: "Excellent swordsmanship! I, Wang Mang, am completely convinced of my defeat!"
Li Feng smiled slightly and returned a polite bow, their friendship deepening during this contest.
Xu Yuehuai stood aside, watching the group of young and energetic figures, and said loudly, "Everyone, keep up the good work. Today's sparring is for becoming stronger tomorrow."
Qi Guze's gaze slowly swept over everyone, finally settling on Yan Qing. He gently patted the armrest of his wheelchair, gesturing for Yan Qing to come over.
Upon seeing this, Yan Qing immediately went to Qi Guze's side.
Qi Guze's eyes became unusually sharp, as if he could see into people's hearts: "Yan Qing, you have hidden injuries."
Upon hearing this, not only Yan Qing was stunned, but everyone around him also looked on in surprise.
Yan Qing was shocked, not expecting that his injury could not be hidden from his master's eyes. He gave a wry smile and said, "I didn't expect that you still found out. I didn't want to disturb you with such a small injury."
Qi Guze gently shook his head, took out an exquisite porcelain bottle from his bosom, and handed it to Yan Qing: "Take this. This is a specially made healing elixir that will greatly benefit your injuries."
Yan Qing quickly declined, saying, "No, this is my master's medicine. How can I accept it?"
Qi Guze's expression turned serious: "You are one of my men, one of my strongest supports. Every flaw you make could be our fatal weakness. I cannot allow you to suffer any mishap."
Yan Qing knew his place in his master's heart. This trust and care made him willing to go through fire and water for Qi Guze. He solemnly accepted the medicine bottle and bowed deeply: "Yes, thank you for the medicine, Master. Yan Qing will certainly live up to your expectations."
Seeing this, the others also cast admiring glances at him.
Next, everyone continued their intense training.
Xu Yuehuai watched silently from the side, her eyes filled with expectations for the children. She knew that these young people would shoulder heavy responsibilities in the future, and she and Qi Guze would be their strongest support.
The winter winds at the border seem even more biting than in previous years, carrying a hint of foreboding.
An urgent, confidential letter arrived at the military camp.
Qi Guze slowly unfolded the letter; each word was like a sharp blade, cutting into the tranquility in his heart.
"Neighboring countries are stirring, and conspiracies are lurking along the border." Qi Guze's deep eyes held a profound worry. He gently put down the letter and turned to look at Xu Yuehuai beside him. The two needed no words; they understood each other perfectly.
"Yuehuai, we should also take action now."
Xu Yuehua nodded. "Zixin, Ziang, and Xiaochen, they can't stay here."
She quickly made a judgment and immediately ordered her men to bring the children to her.
Soon, Qi Zixin, Qi Ziang, Yan Qing, and Jiang Shichen gathered together, and an indescribable solemnity filled the air.
"Children, the border situation is tense, you must return to the capital as soon as possible." Xu Yuehuai gently stroked Qi Zixin's head, trying to comfort his daughter who was about to leave.
Qi Zixin's eyes were slightly red, but she tried hard not to let the tears fall.
"Father, Mother, we will be careful." She held Xu Yuehuai's hand tightly.
Qi Ziang appeared more composed. He patted his sister's back and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." Then, he turned to Yan Qing and Jiang Shichen, "My two elder brothers, I'm entrusting you with my care."
Yan Qing nodded solemnly, "I will definitely get you back safely."
Just then, the Ghost Doctor ran in, looking disheveled and carrying a bunch of various medicine bottles.
"Take these for self-defense, and be careful on the road."
Qi Zixin hugged the Ghost Doctor gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle Ghost Doctor."
The Ghost Doctor gently patted her back, "Little girl, go on your way, be careful on the road."
The moment of parting always comes so quickly.
Qi Zixin and Qi Ziang bowed to Xu Yuehuai and Qi Guze one last time, saying, "Father, Mother, your daughter (son) is leaving. Take care of yourselves."
Qi Zixin's voice was choked with sobs, but she tried her best to control her emotions.
Outside the military camp, Xu Yuehuai pushed Qi Guze's wheelchair, watching the children's figures gradually disappear into the distance.
The winter wind whipped up withered leaves, adding a touch of desolation to this farewell.
"Yuehuai, we'll be back soon too," Qi Guze said softly, his gaze piercing through the layers of fallen leaves as he looked at Xu Yuehuai.
"Yes, everything will be alright." Xu Yuehuai nodded firmly.
The Ghost Doctor stood aside, watching these scenes of reunion and parting, and couldn't help but sigh, "Your family has really had a lot of bad luck." But there was no trace of sorrow in his tone; instead, there was more of awe and resistance to fate.
Qi Guze looked up at the sky, where countless secrets and unknowns seemed to be hidden in the deep blue sky.
“Throughout these scenes of reunion and parting, I always feel as if an invisible hand is constantly guiding us.” He seemed to be conversing with the sky.
Xu Yuehuai and the Ghost Doctor also looked up, as if they had also seen something.
At this moment, they no longer seemed to be separate individuals, but rather bound together by a force, becoming a community with a shared destiny...
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