Chapter Sixty: Tang Tian Prefers Young Men

The sky was still dim when Feng Xiaobao rose from bed and began his morning exercises. He diligently completed every part of his routine: punching and kicking drills, swordplay and spear techniques, as well as foundational body conditioning. In this world without firearms or ammunition, Chinese martial arts were his way to survive and make his mark.

As long as I have my body, I have everything!

When Tang Tian found him, he was stripped to the waist, working up a sweat as he did push-ups. “One hundred and thirty-six, one hundred and thirty-seven…” he counted aloud.

Amused, Tang Tian joined in, helping him count. “One hundred and thirty-eight, one hundred and thirty-nine…”

It was a strange kind of exercise, but he seemed utterly absorbed in it. As she continued counting, Tang Tian’s cheeks suddenly flushed red!

The immense, sculpted biceps of Feng Xiaobao were right before her eyes—a lethal weapon for a woman of this era! In modern times, with the prevalence of media, women even if they hadn’t seen such physiques in person, would have encountered images and built up some immunity. But here and now, Feng Xiaobao’s biceps, chiseled according to the training regimen of the future warrior Arnold Schwarzenegger, his armor-like chest and abdominal muscles, his extraordinary V-shaped torso—such a physique had never been seen before in this era, delivering an unparalleled visual shock!

For a moment, her face burned crimson, her breath came short, and she nearly lost count.

In his previous life, Feng Xiaobao had always paid close attention to his physical health. Besides endurance training like long-distance running and swimming, regular strength training at the gym was a routine, all under the guidance of professional coaches and following Schwarzenegger’s workout plans.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, famed for portraying the Terminator, was a legendary movie star whose success began at age nineteen (1966), when he won the title of “Mr. Europe” at the European bodybuilding championship in Germany. That same year, he competed internationally and won his first “Mr. Universe” title, earning the nickname “Austrian Oak.” Later, he developed his career in America, becoming “Mr. Olympia” in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1980—a reigning champion in the world of bodybuilding.

Afterward, he transitioned into acting, achieving great success with many classic films. But his foundation was bodybuilding—he authored “The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding” and other materials, providing systematic guidance on exercises, sets, reps, and training methods, all of which Feng Xiaobao had mastered.

Upon arriving in the Tang dynasty, he continued his fitness regimen, forging a body of unprecedented strength, far surpassing any strongman of the era.

None of them had the guidance of Arnold Schwarzenegger!

In Feng Xiaobao’s stronghold, there were makeshift fitness contraptions, helping him sculpt every muscle, forging the ultimate physique.

Unlike modern times, when the wealthy could play with all sorts of amusements and muscles were somewhat less valued (though many athletes still won beautiful wives), here, wealth couldn’t buy much novelty and physical prowess was of immense importance.

Look at how the princess, a noble daughter, was utterly enamored with Feng Xiaobao—could anyone deny the power of his physique?

At the sight of his muscles, the princess would lose her composure and surrender without protest!

Tang Tian had seen the male body before; at the martial training hall, it was normal for men to exercise stripped to the waist. She had roamed the martial world and witnessed men exposing their bodies, never intimidated by such displays (for example, a threat like “if you keep following me, I’ll take off my clothes!”).

The Tang family’s code: Always keep your bow aimed at the enemy’s vital points, no matter what!

If others tried to use nudity to scare her, they’d end up more frightened by her arrows. Who was really afraid of whom?

But Feng Xiaobao’s bulging muscles… she couldn’t help but reach out and touch them!

If she desired, this young, handsome man was hers for the taking!

Feeling the surging strength beneath his skin, the sheer power and vitality—he was like a deity incarnate!

Tang Tian was by no means a lovesick girl, yet she was powerless to resist Feng Xiaobao’s display.

She forgot to keep counting, first touching him lightly, then running her hand over entire sections of muscle!

The sensation was exquisite!

She lost all self-control, and even Feng Xiaobao could barely hold on, finally collapsing to the ground, prompting Tang Tian to sheepishly withdraw her hand.

Feng Xiaobao stood up again, smiling, “You can touch me for a lifetime if you like!”

Tang Tian blushed even more, lowering her head in silence.

Since she was here, he naturally put her first; after a few quick exercises, Feng Xiaobao called it a day.

A maid was already waiting at the side to assist, but Tang Tian insisted on helping, albeit clumsily.

“Did you sleep well last night?” Feng Xiaobao asked casually.

Tang Tian shook her head, “Not well.”

“Not well?” Only then did Feng Xiaobao notice the dark circles under her eyes. He paused, then realized the reason and couldn’t help but laugh.

“What are you laughing at?” Tang Tian gave him a light punch, making his face twitch—it wasn’t exactly gentle!

Tang Tian and her companions were staying in the guest quarters, while Feng Xiaobao had the master’s section; the two areas were separate. Unfortunately, the guest quarters were where Yang Chengxian and Cheng Boxi had indulged in some raucous activities, keeping the already restless Tang Tian awake all night.

He brought Tang Tian to breakfast to join Yang Chengxian, Cheng Boxi, and Tang Zhilin, the five of them sharing a table.

Judging by the cheerful spirits and hearty appetites of Yang and Cheng, it was clear they had expended quite a bit of energy the previous night.

Feng Xiaobao greeted them with a hearty “Congratulations are in order!” and the three men fell into boisterous camaraderie.

Sensing the brotherly affection, Tang Tian smiled warmly.

To truly understand a person, one must observe how they interact with their surroundings and with others. A man without brothers finds success difficult; even a hero needs three companions.

The two estate stewards, Shi Jiulang and Ding Shiyi-niang, came over to attend them. Shi Jiulang reported that two wandering outlaws had been caught trespassing the night before and were summarily buried!

“Your geese and hounds are truly the perfect defense against night intruders! No matter how many come, we catch them all,” Shi Jiulang praised.

“How do you have geese and hound patrols?” Yang Chengxian and Cheng Boxi asked in amazement.

The estate had established a comprehensive security system, including geese as sentinels. Geese are naturally alert and will honk loudly at any disturbance. Strangers approaching would trigger a cacophony, alerting the guards.

“They don’t just catch people—they’re great for keeping snakes away too!”

There were many snakes in the wilderness, sometimes intruding into human dwellings, but a goose’s long neck and iron beak made it a formidable match for any serpent.

The goose patrol was Feng Xiaobao’s idea, implemented by Shi Jiulang, who could extol their virtues for hours on end.

With ample fat and meat in the estate, large packs of dogs were also raised and trained. Patrol squads with their hounds made it nearly impossible for any nocturnal trespasser to escape detection; at the first sign of an outsider, the dogs would attack en masse, inflicting grievous wounds on any would-be intruder.

The hounds ran rampant, keeping the estate secure and its secrets safe for a year now.

Ordinary households couldn’t afford to raise so many dogs; a few would be of little use.

Yang Chengxian and Cheng Boxi declared their intention to learn from this example, while Tang Tian’s eyes sparkled—who knew what she was thinking.

…

After breakfast, Ding Shiyi-niang led the way to the main hall for a council meeting. The others, not required for the discussion, went off together to enjoy the estate’s scenic grounds.

“I’ll come with you!” Tang Tian volunteered.

“Very well!” And so, Tang Tian accompanied him as his bodyguard.

“We greet the young master!” In the hall, only Feng Xiaobao was seated. The others—overseers, tenant leaders, and stewards—stood, even the oldest gray-haired overseer making no exception.

Their status was unequal; there was no place for them at the table.

The hall was silent as a tomb, for the princess herself had once decreed: “The young master is as I am; whatever he says is as if I have spoken!”

Seeing their respectful demeanor, Feng Xiaobao nodded in satisfaction. “Very well, bring out the item!”

The crowd stepped aside and brought forth a large tray—something very familiar to people of today.

A sand table!