This is called a "combination punch" in boxing, a simple offensive routine of feints and real hits, yet opponents often fall for it. The more skilled the opponent, the faster their reaction when faced with a feint, instinctively triggering defensive actions that expose vulnerabilities, creating openings for real strikes.
It's like asking Messi to dribble past me; I'd barely react to his feints because I wouldn't have time. But if a professional player were to defend against Messi, they'd almost certainly fall for it!
However, with Qi sensing, I can discern which of the opponent's hands is delivering the real blow. It's akin to Messi trying to dribble past me, but I've already seen him coil his left leg, preparing to push off, meaning he'll try to go past me from my left side. In that case, regardless of his feints, like step-overs or roulettes, I only need to focus on defending my left. As he initiates his move, I'll move simultaneously to intercept. With my weight advantage, he shouldn't be able to get past me. If he tries to collide with me, it'll be a foul because I'll have already secured my position.
Returning to the Chen Villa from the coach, Lao Liu's left hook lunged at me. Well-prepared, I crossed my arms almost the moment he threw the punch, intercepting it just below my chin with the crossing point.
*Boom!*
It was a heavy hook. Even with my "crossed-arm" block using both arms, his punch's force penetrated, sending my wrists crashing into my chin, making me stumble back two steps.
Still, he didn't land a direct hit. I retreated, steadied myself, and moved my jawbone from side to side. It was fine; I didn't taste any blood.
Lao Liu was surprised I could block his critical strike. He froze, staring at his fist with doubt, as if he thought his own movements had slowed.
"Beautiful!" the fox spirit applauded. "Defend like that!"
"You're pathetic!" Song Wenzhi cursed Lao Liu. "Didn't you say you were on the US university boxing team!"
Lao Liu missed his target and was reprimanded by his master, his face flushing red. But he didn't lose composure. He hopped in place twice and charged at me again.
With the experience from the previous round, I was completely calm now. No matter how he attacked with alternating left and right punches, I could anticipate and block them effectively. However, his punches were too fast, and I hadn't found an opportunity to counter-attack. After a few exchanges, this guy resorted to dirty tricks. I saw the qi in his right leg surge, while his hands performed a dazzling series of feints—straight punches, hooks, jabs, and crosses.
After the feints, Lao Liu suddenly lifted his leg, aiming a kick at my vital areas!
The comms were still open, and Yao Yao gasped in fright because her happiness was at stake!
But I was prepared. I knew kicks carried more force than punches, and this was an upward strike from a distance. I couldn't block it with my hands. The moment Lao Liu lifted his leg, I chose to step forward half a pace, evading the most powerful part of his instep, and used my own legs to clamp down. After all, the space between my legs was limited, and no matter how strong his kick, he couldn't break through my two legs. So, he only managed to strike the inner muscles of my thigh, not a vital spot.
Simultaneously, as he committed to his kick, he spread his arms to maintain balance, exposing a large opening on his front. I spotted a "death point" above his navel—I don't know its exact name. Living with my aunt, I'd picked up some knowledge about acupoints, though not in-depth or systematic. Was it Danzhong, or Juque? Probably the latter. Danzhong should be on his chest.
Regardless of its name, it was a "convergence of meridians," a death point. I headbutted towards Lao Liu's chin—a feint, mainly to obscure his vision. Lao Liu fell for it, grabbing my head with both hands. Once his hands were fully occupied and unable to defend, I clenched my right fist, aimed for his Juque point, and struck with a concealed jab, using the knuckle of my middle finger to pierce it fiercely.
After striking, I released his leg, withdrew, and stood my ground, waiting to see the effect of my attack.