In the small courtyard, Jiang Feng moved with a mystical step, flashing back and forth, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes left, sometimes right, as if performing a magical dance.
His steps traced the path of a divine dragon soaring through the clouds, making it impossible to predict his next landing point.
This was the essence of the Divine Dragon Phantom Step. If fully mastered, one could move so fast that only a shadow would be visible, and in the blink of an eye, one could snatch an object.
If paired with a lethal technique, one could kill an enemy in a flash, leaving no trace.
With two punches, the ground now had a basketball-sized pit.
Smack!
Jiang Feng struck out with two palms, the wind from his palms roaring like a lion pouncing, as if it could tear through the void.
Two palm shadows struck the ground one after the other, leaving a faint imprint.
The power of the Flaming Lion Palm was impressive; if it struck a person, it would at least cause a fracture.
However, because Jiang Feng couldn't gather enough True Qi, he couldn't unleash its full power.
Normally, flames would burst forth, and a lion's roar would shake the air. Now, he could only mimic the form, not the essence.
"Haha, not bad. At least on Earth, I won't be in a position to get beaten up."
In one morning, Jiang Feng had almost mastered three moves from the Azure Dragon Lion Tiger Strength. Although he couldn't use True Qi yet, he was still very happy and satisfied.
"Alright, that's enough for today. I'll practice more another day."
Jiang Feng finished his practice, stood quietly in the courtyard for a long time, exhaled a breath of stale air, and then turned to go back inside.
***
Huff, huff!
After taking a shower, Jiang Feng prepared two breakfasts and then sat in the living room meditating, waiting for Cheng Shaoqing to wake up.
"Hey, Jiang Feng, why are you up so early?" Cheng Shaoqing came downstairs and saw Jiang Feng sitting on the sofa with his eyes closed, meditating like a monk.
Jiang Feng opened his eyes and smiled slightly, "I always get up early, it's a habit. Come eat, I've already made breakfast."
"Already made!" Cheng Shaoqing was delighted, "That's great, saves me from going out to eat."
Knowing Jiang Feng's culinary skills, Cheng Shaoqing eagerly anticipated the breakfast.
Breakfast was rich porridge, poached eggs, and a glass of milk, absolutely sumptuous.
Cheng Shaoqing ate with great relish, thoroughly satisfied.
"By the way, it's Saturday today. Where are you planning to go?" Cheng Shaoqing suddenly asked after finishing her meal.
Jiang Feng had forgotten about it. Right, it's Saturday. Normally, he would go back to his hometown.
Going back would be good, he could see his parents.
"I'm planning to go back to my hometown," Jiang Feng said.
"Alright, I need to go home too. My parents miss me and insist I go back. Since you're going back too, I won't worry about you," Cheng Shaoqing said.
"Thank you for your concern," Jiang Feng sincerely thanked her.
After that, Jiang Feng and Cheng Shaoqing parted ways and each went back to their own homes.
Jiang Feng still had a bit of a journey to get home, including a transfer.
His hometown was in Qingzhu County, under Meilong City, in Wangpo Village on the outskirts of Qingzhu County.
Jiang Feng thought to himself, in the next couple of days, he must get his father's wages back and resolve his father's worries.
***
By around ten in the morning, Jiang Feng was standing in front of his family's gate.
The village where Jiang Feng lived was surrounded by mountains and water, with a beautiful environment. Villagers often went into the mountains to gather seasonal wild goods to sell in the city, earning a decent income.
Moreover, the river was rich with fish and shrimp, providing an important source of food for the villagers.
Knock, knock!
If paired with a lethal technique, one could kill an enemy in a flash, leaving no trace.
Jiang Feng knocked on the old, rusty iron gate of his house.
"Who's there?" his father Jiang Jianjun's voice came from the courtyard.
"It's me, Dad," Jiang Feng replied.
"It's Little Feng, wait a moment, I'll open the door," Jiang Jianjun quickly opened the door for Jiang Feng.
His hometown was in Qingzhu County, under Meilong City, in Wangpo Village on the outskirts of Qingzhu County.
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Seeing Jiang Feng return, Jiang Jianjun squeezed out a smile, "Little Feng, you're back."
Jiang Feng knocked on the old, rusty iron gate of his house.
Seeing the wrinkles on his father's face, Jiang Feng felt a pang in his nose, almost bringing tears to his eyes.
He had once dreamed of making something of himself, to give his parents a happy and fulfilling life.
But in the end, he couldn't bear the setbacks and chose to 'commit suicide,' leaving the world alone.
Now, thinking back, he felt deeply guilty towards his parents. He had only cared about his own feelings and left without considering their grief. It was truly selfish.
Now that he was reborn, he was determined to give his parents a good life, to become someone respected and admired.
"Come in quickly, I'll ask your mom to make you some food," Jiang Jianjun said.
At this moment, Jiang Feng's mother, Zhang Mei, also came out of the house. Seeing Jiang Feng, she said, "Little Feng, you're back. Perfect timing, today I'll make braised eggplant for you."
"Great, Mom, I love your braised eggplant the most," Jiang Feng smiled.
"Wait a moment," Zhang Mei immediately put on an apron and started busying herself.
Watching his mother bustling around, Jiang Feng felt a mix of emotions. His mother had once been a well-off young lady, living a carefree life.
But after falling in love with his father, she defied her family's opposition, cut ties with them, and chose to live a hard life with his father. For twenty years, they lived in poverty, yet she never complained.
Even now, one could still see traces of her former elegance, despite the increased wrinkles and strands of white hair. Her inherent grace remained.
"Dad, Mom, you've worked hard," Jiang Feng suddenly said.
Jiang Jianjun and Zhang Mei were taken aback, not understanding why their son was saying this today.
But neither of them spoke. Zhang Mei continued her busy work, and Jiang Jianjun remained silent.
Jiang Feng knew that his words had touched a forbidden part of their hearts.
Jiang Jianjun smoked his homemade cigarette, puffing away with a troubled expression.
Jiang Feng knew his father was worried about the factory.
Jiang Jianjun used to work at a nearby factory. Although it was hard work, he earned three thousand yuan a month, which was enough to support the family and pay for Jiang Feng's schooling.
But half a month ago, Jiang Jianjun was inexplicably fired from the factory, and the factory refused to pay the twenty thousand yuan they owed him.
This money had accumulated over time, with the factory finding various excuses to delay payment. Initially, Jiang Jianjun didn't mind, thinking they would eventually settle it. Who knew it would come to this, with twenty thousand yuan seemingly lost.
This was his hard-earned money, which he had planned to save for Jiang Feng's education.
Since then, Jiang Jianjun had been depressed and constantly sighing.
Jiang Feng thought to himself, in the next couple of days, he must get his father's wages back and resolve his father's worries.
After lunch, Jiang Feng rested briefly, then informed his parents and went out alone.