Chapter 068: The Art of Combined Assault

Chapter 068: The Art of Coordinated Attack

"Actually, I learned it by accident back then, so I never knew what to call it. Recently, I've noticed there are places where it can be improved—modifications that will make it even more effective. And later, I'll teach you all a technique for coordinated attacks!"

"Coordinated attacks?" Everyone was taken aback. What was that supposed to mean? It was clear that none of them had any knowledge of such things. Seeing their confusion, Ye Feng realized he needed to explain further: "To put it simply, coordinated attack is a formation of people."

"Formation?" Everyone's eyes widened. They understood the concept, at least in theory. Formations were derived from ancient strategies in China, with famous examples like the Long Snake Formation, Twin Dragons Emerging, Three Talents Formation, Four Gates Formation, Five Tigers Herding Sheep Formation, Six Ding Six Jia Formation, Seven Stars Big Dipper Formation, Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation, Nine Linked Characters Formation, and Ten-Sided Ambush Formation.

Later, formations became even more renowned within the martial arts world. Of course, a formation is not just a skill, but rather a system where several people or objects take specific positions, move accordingly, and at the right moments unleash certain techniques to defeat enemies or protect allies. Hearing Ye Feng's explanation, everyone paused to absorb this.

"Yes, that's right," Ye Feng continued. "I've heard that as long as the positions are arranged correctly, a few people can exert tremendous power. In the future, we’re bound to face formidable opponents, so we need to prepare in this area." He smiled gently. Only by strengthening his brothers could they better protect themselves.

From Ye Feng’s tone, Ma Long sensed something more and quickly asked, "Feng, do you feel something's off?" Ye Feng simply nodded. "Alright, I’ll show you the essentials and some techniques for the boxing first. You all need to intensify your training. In an hour, we’ll practice the art of coordinated attack."

"Yes!" Everyone immediately formed a circle, watching Ye Feng demonstrate. He began slowly, hands coming together to form fists, then moved gracefully through the routine. Everyone watched intently. His footwork was light yet solid, his hands agile and swift, soft as a spring breeze brushing willow branches, hard as an iron hammer striking stone.

In their hearts, they marveled at him. Feng truly deserved his reputation. With these skills, he would have been a standout even in ancient martial arts circles. Ma Long especially gazed at Ye Feng with boundless admiration. Though he had some experience from the military, it was nothing compared to Ye Feng’s mastery.

Though boxing is often said to be rigid and fierce, Ye Feng's performance was fluid and comfortable, almost a thing of beauty. He finished with a perfect closing move, breath sinking to his core, and said, "How did you find it? This boxing routine interlocks footwork and hand techniques tightly, and is highly effective. I believe it’s perfect for you all to practice."

"Wow, that was amazing, Feng! You made it look so good!" Zhang Wei’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at Ye Feng. His big brother was simply dazzling—even his movements were stylish.

Ye Feng chuckled, "How much have you all remembered?" Of course, for him, this boxing technique was almost self-created, and demonstrating it felt effortless, especially since he was so handsome and elegant.

"Big brother, we remembered about half," one of the brothers admitted, embarrassed. He feared Ye Feng would think him stupid; after all, remembering only half a routine was hardly impressive. But Ye Feng just smiled and said it was normal, that understanding comes gradually.

Hearing this, everyone felt reassured. Martial arts have to be learned slowly; haste leads nowhere. "Alright," Ye Feng said. "Let’s start now." Everyone began to practice, and Ye Feng watched, genuinely pleased with their progress, offering occasional guidance.

"Feng, why do I feel stuck at this point?" Zhang Wei asked, puzzled. Ye Feng quickly stepped in to correct him: "Here, you need to lower your waist a bit—yes, like that. Now you can release the move, and then step forward swiftly like an arrow, just so!"

Ye Feng alternated between helping with footwork and hand techniques, and soon an hour had passed. Seeing that everyone had grasped the basics, he said, "Now take a ten-minute break. While you rest, I’ll briefly explain the coordinated attack technique you’ll learn next."

The group dispersed to rest, and Ye Feng sat cross-legged in the center, explaining earnestly: "The art of coordinated attack, as the name suggests, is about combining the strength of many to strike at the enemy’s vital point, ideally with a single decisive blow. Of course, this requires years of teamwork and coordination to develop true synergy."

Everyone listened attentively as Ye Feng continued, "Since the club is opening soon, you’ll have less time, but whenever you have free moments, practice together. Especially group exercises to build that tacit understanding—you’ll definitely see results."

After a brief introduction, Ye Feng called Zhang Wei and Ma Long forward, and the three of them demonstrated the technique, inviting the others to attack together. The trio quickly formed a triangle, each watching the surroundings, and Ye Feng reminded everyone to be prepared and stay focused.

Soon, the remaining dozen charged forward. Initially, they felt confident, but quickly realized they were outmatched. They avoided Ye Feng’s side, aiming instead at Zhang Wei and Ma Long, since Ye Feng’s skills were formidable and they dared not challenge him directly.

But the coordinated attack technique was nimble and unpredictable. They targeted Zhang Wei, but suddenly Ye Feng launched a kick from the side. As someone tried to counter Ye Feng, Ma Long delivered a heavy punch, catching Xiao Qi off guard and knocking him down.

The essence of the coordinated attack was defense as offense: when the opponent makes a move, seize their moment of carelessness and strike unexpectedly, subduing them. The three required a high level of mutual understanding and cooperation, appearing to act independently but able to support each other at a moment’s notice.

Soon, everyone was knocked down. Ye Feng smiled, "You see now? This is just the basic coordinated attack technique. Once your skills improve, the effects will be even more impressive—especially when outnumbered, we can defend and counter with a single strike!"

"Yes!" Everyone was even more impressed by Ye Feng’s prowess. But as Ye Feng and the others devoted themselves to training, in a factory base on the eastern edge of the provincial capital, another group was also training.