novelaction Chapter 379: From Bandits to Brothers, Lei Tao's Friendship in the Mountains and His Advanced B
Chapter 379: From Bandits to Brothers, Lei Tao's Friendship in the Mountains and His Advanced B
After a long battle with bandits over a gambling game, Lei Tao and his companions forged a deep friendship with Scarface Li. Just as they were about to continue their journey to the county town, Scarface Li warmly invited them to stay and meet him at the village.
Unable to resist Scarface Li's enthusiasm, Lei Tao led his team to the mountain stronghold. Scarface Li and his bandits led the way. They were incredibly familiar with the forest, their steps brisk, even in the thickening fog. Lei Tao and his team followed cautiously behind, weapons tightly grasped, vigilant and prepared for any potential danger.
Soon, a stronghold hidden deep in the forest appeared before their eyes. A tall fence made of thick logs surrounded the stronghold, and simple lookout devices were hung on the fence. At the entrance, several bandits were patrolling back and forth. Upon seeing Scarface Li return, they immediately saluted respectfully.
"Everyone, cheer up! We have distinguished guests today!" Scarface Li shouted, his voice echoing throughout the village. He then led Lei Tao and the others into the village.
Inside the mountain stronghold, a group of bandits sat together. Seeing Scarface Li leading a stranger in, they all cast curious glances at him. Scarface Li waved his hand and said, "Brothers, listen up! This Brother Lei and his friends are our family from now on! If anyone dares to neglect them, don't blame me for being rude!" The bandits nodded in agreement, their wariness gradually giving way to curiosity.
"Brother Lei, please take a seat!" Scarface Li pulled Lei Tao into a spacious room. In the center of the room stood a worn wooden table, surrounded by stools of varying lengths. Scarface Li invited everyone to sit down, then turned to a small bandit and shouted, "Go get some wine and meat! I want to have a few drinks with Brother Lei today!"
A moment later, the young bandit came in carrying several large bowls of wine and a large plate of smoked meat. Lei Tao smiled mysteriously and said, "Boss, put your wine aside and drink mine first." He deliberately had someone bring a piece of clothing and covered his hands with it. With a magic gesture, he pulled the clothing open, and (from the space of the Bagua spinning top) a jar of old wine appeared in his hands.
Scarface Li looked at Lei Tao's move with his eyes wide open, full of surprise and curiosity. He couldn't help but clapping his hands in admiration: "Good fellow, Brother Lei, your move is incredible! I, Scarface Li, have traveled all over the country for so many years, but I've never seen anything so miraculous. It's like a magic trick. Did this jar of wine just fall from the sky?"
Lei Tao smiled and waved his hands, looking modest: "Master, you are too kind. These are just some small tricks, not worth mentioning. I met a magician by chance, and through coaxing and persuading, I learned this trick of hiding objects. It can be put to use in my daily life."
As he spoke, Lei Tao gently brushed away the nonexistent dust from the wine jar, and a rich, mellow aroma instantly filled the air, prompting everyone present to take a deep breath. Scarface Li leaned closer to the jar, sniffed deeply, and praised it profusely, "This aroma is so tempting! Brother Lei, what kind of wine is this? It's so fragrant?"
Lei Tao unsealed the wine slowly and said as he poured it, "This is a jar of aged wine that I stumbled upon many years ago. I've never been willing to drink it, but now that I've met the boss, I've hit it off, and this wine has finally found its place."
The room was filled with the rich aroma of wine. In the wine bowls in everyone's hands, the clear wine swayed gently, reflecting a warm yellow halo, which contrasted with the dancing candlelight all around.
Lei Tao stood up steadily, his expression solemn. He swept his eyes over the crowd with a resolute look. He raised the wine bowl high with both hands and said in a loud voice: "Boss, it is my great honor to be able to gather with you all today. This first bowl of wine is to toast our acquaintance, and even more so to our future joint efforts to resist the Japanese invaders, drive the devils out of China, and restore peace to our country!"
Meng Xiaoyu followed closely behind, his figure light and graceful, holding the wine bowl, and said in a clear voice: "Brother Lei is absolutely right! The boss's gracious invitation allows us to find a moment of peace in this chaotic world. This bowl of wine must be toasted to the boss!"
The members of the Netherworld team all stood up. Chen Feiyang's face was filled with pride, and he raised his wine bowl high in the air. He said in a cheerful voice, "The boss is so righteous. Let's drink..."
At this time, Chen Erhu, who was sitting in the corner, stood up with a bang. He was a big and strong man with a simple smile on his face. He slammed his big hand on the table, shaking the wine bowl. He raised his hand holding the wine bowl high and said in a voice like a bell: "Brother Lei, what you said touched my heart! Although we brothers usually occupy the mountain and act like kings in this forest, we know clearly what is the righteousness of our country! We will fight the Japanese and we will never be vague! Come on, drink this bowl of wine!"
Liu Sanbao also stood up quickly. He was thin and had a clever look in his eyes. He scratched his head and said with a smile, "I haven't been to school, but I know that the Japs are not good people! It's my blessing to be able to fight the Japs with everyone! Boss, Brother Lei, and all my friends, I'll drink first to show my respect!" After that, he tilted his head back, drank the wine in the bowl, and licked his lips with satisfaction.
Scarface Li watched this scene, his face showing more and more relief. He stood up, looked around, held the bowl high with both hands, and said in a loud voice with an unquestionable momentum: "Okay! Li, if you are beautiful, I won't say more. I won't go home until I am drunk tonight."
After eating and drinking to their heart's content, everyone went to bed, feeling slightly tipsy. The next morning, before the first rays of sunlight had fully penetrated the misty mountain forest, the village was already bustling with activity.
Lei Tao rose early, washed briefly, and headed to the open space in the village. He stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, his fists clenched at his waist, his aura calm and composed. With a low shout, Lei Tao took up his stance and launched into an eight-level punch.
At first, his punches were powerful and sharp, each one carrying the aura of splitting mountains and shattering rocks. As his boxing style progressed, his speed grew faster and his power became more astonishing. Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of shattering air. Each punch felt like a cannonball exploding, shaking the air around him. Lei Tao could clearly feel the energy and blood in his body surging like a raging river, and power continuously surged from his limbs and bones. His martial arts skills had reached a new level.
After completing a set of level eight boxing, Lei Tao's breathing remained steady, his expression calm, but his heart still brimming with fighting spirit. Unsatisfied, he decided to unleash a unique boxing technique that blended Tai Chi and Xingyiquan.
Lei Tao took a deep breath, turned slightly, and slowly raised his hands, his movements as gentle as a spring breeze caressing a willow. This was the opening stance of Tai Chi, guided by softness. Then, he lightly shifted his feet, imitating the robust and simple steps of Xingyiquan, and simultaneously punched out with both fists, combining strength and softness, each move showcasing the marvelous fusion of the two styles.
As his punches unfolded, his movements grew faster and stronger. The air around him seemed to be stirred by an invisible hand, and the fallen leaves on the ground began to sway gently. At first, only one or two leaves drifted slowly up, but in the blink of an eye, more and more leaves were swept up in the air current.
The fallen leaves swirled rapidly around Lei Tao, gradually forming a small whirlwind that enveloped him tightly. The whirlwind spun faster and faster, emitting a whirring sound, while Lei Tao moved freely within it, his movements sometimes as graceful as flowing clouds and water, sometimes as fierce as a tiger emerging from the mountains. His eyes were sharp and focused, completely immersed in the world of this boxing technique, as if he had become one with the natural forces around him.
At that moment, Chen Erhu staggered by, humming a tuneless tune. He immediately spotted Lei Tao practicing martial arts and froze in his tracks, as if under a spell. His eyes widened, his mouth wide enough to fit an egg, his face filled with shock and disbelief.
"Oh my God!" Erhu couldn't help but exclaimed, "What kind of peerless magic skill is Brother Lei practicing? How can it be so powerful!" As he spoke, he moved forward involuntarily, staring at Lei Tao without blinking, as if afraid to miss any wonderful moment, his eyes were full of admiration for Lei Tao and yearning for this magical boxing.