"Chen Junwei?" He immediately sensed it too. Even though he couldn’t see clearly, the precise movements were clearly the result of traditional martial arts training and not just any security staff’s skills. Thinking about this mysterious janitor, despite having not met him, he asked first, "Aren’t you here? Why are you only arriving now?"

As soon as he spoke, he began coughing.

"Let’s talk inside!"

Chen Junwei came over to support him, then forcefully pushed the door open and entered the multifunction conference hall, which had smoke and tear gas as well but was noticeably less dense. The room was spacious, and the ventilation system was excellent. Although many pampered guests were coughing and tearing up, Li Yan felt much better once inside.

After the two entered, they closed the door and stayed near the entrance.

"Don’t mention it, I didn’t expect them to make such a big commotion! And not seeing you, I went outside and was just as blind as anyone, had to close my eyes and hold my breath. I noticed many people stealing antiques and leaving, but I couldn’t attack recklessly—not out of fear of hitting the wrong person, but for the fear of damaging those antiques. Even if the art pieces are stolen, they’re still in the world; if I break them, they’re ruined."

Hearing Chen Junwei quickly whisper, Li Yan angrily punched him, "You attack no one but me!"

Chen Junwei felt a bit embarrassed, "I thought you were sneaky coming around, and your steps were light, not like you were carrying antiques, so I attacked you. But I noticed you held back against me, so I guessed it was you..."

Held back?

Li Yan was slightly stunned, then secretly smiled bitterly: That wasn’t holding back!

What he learned wasn’t martial skills for fitness, nor was it combat techniques for fighting; it was the art of killing! Every move, method, and technique was intended to kill the opponent! Because of this, when facing ordinary people, he could usually achieve a one-hit kill, and even when holding back, he could subdue the enemy with a single move. Against those who also studied combat skills, he posed a significant threat.

Yet just now, because he carried that mysterious stone, his inner intent to kill had been suppressed; there was no killing intent. Even if a deadly move was executed, its effectiveness was greatly reduced. Because it wasn’t shooting, he didn’t realize himself, and Chen Junwei, having faced him before, felt he was holding back.

Li Yan didn’t want to talk more about this, so he shifted the topic, "By the way, why do I feel you don’t seem uncomfortable in this environment? My abilities have been greatly limited by the environment, yet you seem like you can see when I make a move!"

Chen Junwei explained, "That’s because I’ve practiced traditional martial arts routines since I was young. Typical modern combat focuses on linking immediate, quickest punches and kicks with instinctive reactions; that’s the most effective method. In comparison, traditional routines seem like flashy performances. But over long periods of practice, the effect changes. Routines not only train instinctive reactions; they’re also a solo simulated combat.

For instance, when I make the first move, I imagine how the enemy might counterattack, so I follow up with the second move in response. Practicing a routine includes many presumed enemy attacks and prepares corresponding responses. Of course, you must practice hard until every move and variation is second nature, so you can instinctively respond. For example, after the first move, if the enemy responds differently, you might skip to the seventh, tenth move, not following a strict order. That’s why a lot of kung fu, when demonstrated, appears as routines, but in combat, becomes freeform..."

Li Yan casually changed the subject with a question, not expecting Chen Junwei to enthusiastically promote martial arts, leaving him speechless. He interrupted saying, "So you’re basically closing your eyes, but your practiced routine allows you to anticipate my reaction and counter in advance?"

"Exactly. Actually, I was closing my eyes too, but with this approach, it seems as if I can see, when actually..." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Seeing him about to go on a long talk again, Li Yan hurriedly said, "Pretty impressive! May I ask how many years you’ve practiced traditional kung fu routines?"

"Uh... Since I was young, almost twenty years." Chen Junwei replied honestly.

Li Yan was speechless again; nowadays, who spends ten or even twenty years practicing martial arts! It’s like in ’Swordsman,’ where Huashan Sect’s Qi Sect practitioners grow increasingly powerful over time, while those not training long were easily overwhelmed by the Sword Sect’s quick learners. Nowadays, pure Qi Sect isn’t promising; rapid results like the Sword Sect are needed.

"It’s not ideal for chatting now; in this environment, I can’t help you be a chivalrous hero. You go ahead, I’ll take a break..."

Li Yan patted Chen Junwei’s shoulder, then wiped his red eyes with his sleeve and ran towards the crowd.

When they just entered, they were near the door, and though the smoke and tear gas were fainter than outside, further inside was even milder. So after squeezing near the door for a while and seeing the situation outside, they retreated to another side, away from the entrance.

While talking to Chen Junwei, Li Yan forced his eyes open to search for Zhang Yurong and Yue Yao’s positions. When he interrupted and stopped talking to Chen Junwei, he had already found where the two were.