Chapter 41: Six Continuous Cuts
Chapter 41: Six Continuous Cuts
Upon hearing Chen Sao's words, Jiang Cheng was deeply touched.
However, Chen Sao also had her own difficulties in earning money, especially since the sum he needed was not a small amount.
"Chen Sao, there's no need to rush. You can just go and purchase the premium membership directly."
He smiled and said, "After buying the regular membership, I won't have to worry about being robbed on the way back by those thugs. Even if I encounter members of the Wild Wolf Gang, they won't dare to do anything to me."
"So, you're saying you're still short of three thousand yuan?"
But Chen Sao acted as if she hadn't heard and continued talking to herself.
"Alright, wait for me. I'll go home and get the money for you."
"Hey! Chen Sao!"
Jiang Cheng was startled and quickly got up, grabbing her arm.
"Chen Sao, I'm not lying to you. The regular membership is sufficient, and to become a premium member, I just need to pay the difference later. With my current income, I can definitely gather the remaining amount by the end of the month."
"Yes, Chen Sao, you've helped us so many times. We really don't need to do this." The elder also advised.
Three thousand yuan was indeed a substantial sum.
"Xiao Cheng, since you said you can gather the remaining three thousand by the end of the month, I'll give you the three thousand now. You can go and purchase the premium membership directly, which is even better, right?"
Chen Sao asked in return.
"Well..."
Jiang Cheng was at a loss for words.
The logic was indeed sound.
But...
"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry," Chen Sao continued, "Over the years, I've also saved some money. Even if I lend you these 3,000 yuan, it won't affect my life with Xiao Yue. Besides, you'll repay it in a few days. What's there to worry about? Or do you not trust Chen Sao?"
"No, no, Chen Sao, how could I not trust you?"
Jiang Cheng withdrew his hand, his expression helpless.
"I've already troubled you and Grandma so much, and now I need your help again. We feel really indebted."
"What's the big deal? Our two families have been friends for decades. Helping each other is what we should do, right?"
Chen Sao smiled slightly, "I'll be back in a moment."
After saying this, she turned and walked out of the house, heading towards her own home.
"Chen Sao is such a good person."
The elder was deeply moved.
Three thousand yuan, lent without hesitation.
In this world, it was probably impossible to find a second person who would treat them like this.
"Yes."
Jiang Cheng didn't know what else to say.
He had only mentioned this matter to Chen Sao to inform her, without any intention of borrowing money, but now he owed her another favor.
Upon careful reflection, his repayment to her was merely a pound of pork and a pound of eggs from the previous night.
"I really need to earn more money. Things will be better next month," Jiang Cheng thought to himself.
"Xiao Cheng."
Just then, the elder asked with some concern, "Is that premium membership really that powerful? If I buy it, do I no longer have to pay the Wild Wolf Gang?"
"Yes, Grandma. The martial arts gyms and gangs on the street are afraid of them," Jiang Cheng explained.
"That's good."
The elder nodded, but still felt a bit uneasy.
Especially since the amount was five thousand yuan, which was a substantial sum.
Not to mention the three thousand, which was borrowed.
She was worried that Jiang Cheng might encounter a scam, but thinking that even Chen Sao agreed with this decision, she felt much more at ease.
In less than three minutes, footsteps could be heard outside the house.
Chen Sao returned.
After entering, she carefully closed the door, then took out a handkerchief from her pocket and unfolded it, revealing a stack of banknotes.
"Xiao Cheng, here's three thousand yuan. Count it."
"No need, I trust you, Aunt Chen." Jiang Cheng hurriedly said.
"It's not about trust, but what if I miscount and end up short by a hundred or two hundred when I get there?" Aunt Chen urged.
"Alright, then."
Jiang Cheng had no choice but to count the money.
It was neither more nor less, exactly three thousand yuan.
"Is this enough? Tell me if it's not."
"It's enough, it's enough."
Jiang Cheng was so scared that he kept nodding, "I've saved two thousand yuan these past few days. With the three thousand from you, Aunt Chen, it's exactly five thousand."
"That's good."
A smile finally appeared on Aunt Chen's face, "With this, we can buy the advanced membership. Let's do it, and get it done in one go. By the end of the month, you won't have to worry about the management fee, stall fee, or encountering robbers on your way back. I'll feel more at ease, too, with your grandmother. Keep the money for now, and go over after you finish breakfast."
"I'll go when there are more people around. It's only a little past seven now." Jiang Cheng glanced at the time.
"Alright, on your way there, hide the money well, and act naturally, so no one suspects anything." Aunt Chen instructed.
"Mhm."
Jiang Cheng replied.
After breakfast, Jiang Cheng rested for a while before continuing to practice with the twin sticks.
Time passed slowly, and as it approached nine o'clock, his skill with the twin sticks had improved to a proficient level.
At this moment, his mind was flooded with memories, and it seemed like he had been practicing this twin stick technique for a whole year.
The simple four continuous downward strikes he had practiced earlier felt incredibly natural, and he wielded the sticks like a windmill.
At the same time, he had also learned more complex techniques.
For example, the closed form six continuous cuts.
The previous four cuts began with an open stance.
This time, the preparatory stance was closed, similar to holding a double section stick, with one stick hidden under the arm.
First, he performed a forward strike with his right hand, placing it on his left shoulder, then swung his right hand over his head for another forward strike, placing it under his arm, returning to the closed stance, but as a mirror image of the previous one.
Next, he performed a forward strike with his left hand, placing it on his right shoulder, followed by a reverse strike with his right hand, and finally, a forward strike with his left hand over his head.
After completing these three steps, he returned to the initial preparatory stance, repeating the sequence.
When he first started practicing, each move was deliberate, creating a whooshing sound as the sticks cut through the air. As he progressed, the movements became seamless, like an electric fan, so fast that only afterimages could be seen.
Jiang Cheng slowly exhaled. If he could master this move, it would be like a meat grinder with twin blades, and his ability to defeat enemies would far surpass that of a single short stick.
After a short rest, he tried practicing again. Every three cuts were smooth, but when it came to connecting the next set, there was a pause.
If this were an actual fight, it would be better to use the double downward cuts, double upward thrusts, double horizontal sweeps, and four continuous cuts.
"Xiao Cheng, it's nine o'clock. Isn't it time to go to the martial arts hall?"
The elder looked at the wall clock and reminded him.
"Mhm, I'm getting ready to go now."
Jiang Cheng smiled, sheathing the twin sticks on his back and pulling down his clothes to cover them.
He walked to the bedside, opened the box, and took out all the money inside. After checking his pockets for holes, he put the money in.
"Grandma, I'm off."
"Go, and be careful on the way."
The elder followed him out the door, watching as Jiang Cheng left.
As he passed by the neighbor's house, Jiang Cheng greeted them and then walked with his head held high and his chest puffed out towards the martial arts hall.
(End of Chapter)
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