Chapter Twenty-Two: Anticipation

Zhao Yan wore an expression of sudden enlightenment and said, "So that's how it is. No wonder I've always felt something was missing."

Nian Yu looked at Zhao Yan and asked, "Missing what? You keep saying something's missing. What exactly is it?"

Zhao Yan replied calmly, "Your first move was the Mountain Press from Bajiquan. But the Mountain Press is a combination of a thrust and a shock, and its damage is immense. If an ordinary person uses it, it could cause fractures. Even Xiao Jie’s wife could cause death with it, provided the opponent is a common person."

Nian Yu asked in confusion, "Then why did I see Zhou Yu use it exactly like that?"

"He probably held back to avoid injuring someone. If he truly used it, the consequences wouldn't be so simple. That's why I was puzzled earlier—why your version was incomplete. Now I understand," Zhao Yan answered.

Nian Yu asked, "Then the second move, the throw, is also wrong?"

Zhao Yan considered for a moment before replying, "The second throw is probably from freestyle fighting, but I'm not certain, since there are several kinds of throws, each different. If it's freestyle, after flipping someone, there’s a kneeling drop—the so-called kneeling drop is when you jump and land from the air with your knees on the enemy’s chest. It’s also a skill with tremendous destructive power."

Nian Yu uttered a thoughtful 'oh,' and began pondering why Zhou Yu knew these techniques.

Xiao Jie asked, "The third move—I felt it was like a major grappling technique, but it didn’t quite seem right."

"Indeed, it’s not right. That one is a joint lock. Grappling is only part of joint techniques. But Zhou Yu seems to have modified these moves significantly; the harm is minimal, just enough to cause pain. If it were a normal joint lock, I fear my leg would be ruined," Zhao Yan said, patting the leg Nian Yu had pinned.

Xiao Jie frowned, "How does Zhou Yu know these moves? According to you, these are killing techniques—they shouldn’t belong to him. Even if he’d been messing around outside, he shouldn’t know them."

Zhao Yan shrugged and said, "That I can't say. You’ll have to ask him yourself. But everyone has secrets; it's better not to ask."

At that moment, Nian Yu suddenly spoke seriously, "Xiao Yan, you seem to understand all these moves quite well. You must know how to use them."

Zhao Yan replied, "I do understand these moves, but I haven’t mastered them. I don’t know the precise methods and mechanics of applying force."

"Why not? You figured them out. If you understand, why can’t you use them?" Nian Yu asked, puzzled.

Zhao Yan said helplessly, "Because I’m a scout. I have to know most of the world’s common killing techniques, but every scout has their own set of unique skills tailored for themselves. The rest are just for reference."

Nian Yu sighed, "Alright then. Since you know the moves, teach me the forms. As for applying force and the nuances, I’ll figure those out myself."

"Nian Yu, I really can’t teach you," Zhao Yan said, scratching his head awkwardly.

Nian Yu’s eyes narrowed, "What? You won’t teach me? Fine, if you won’t teach, just use them when sparring with me."

"But..." Zhao Yan started to protest.

Nian Yu cut him off, "No buts. I already know my ability. It must be prediction—so while sparring with you just now, I could anticipate where you would dodge."

Zhao Yan was utterly stunned, "What, prediction?"