nagpurpolice Chapter 3 Entering
Chapter 3 Entering
The next morning, after breakfast, Zhou Tong followed his father into the family's black car.
The vehicle swayed slightly, and the scenery of the south of the city gradually replaced the orderly landscape of the north. Dirt roads became more frequent, and the wheels kicked up fine dust as they rolled over them.
Zhou Tong turned his gaze from the window to his father, asking curiously, "Father, you previously forbade me from learning martial arts from the guards at home, but now you've personally brought me to the south of the city to seek instruction. Both are martial arts training, so what's the difference?"
"The difference is huge."
Zhou Chengzong smiled slightly and said slowly:
"The bodyguards at home are just amateurs with limited prospects; they'll never even cross the threshold of becoming a Grand Martial Master. But the Tianjin Martial Arts Academy, and the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School you're going to today..."
His gaze narrowed slightly, "yet he has the potential to become a great martial arts master who can withstand bullets and whose blood and energy flow like a rainbow."
Zhou Tong raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is it a difference in cultivation techniques?"
"It's not a cultivation technique."
Zhou Chengzong shook his head slightly, "Don't say that your father is not a martial artist. Many martial artists are not very clear about the intricacies. Once you go to the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School and achieve success in your martial arts training, you will naturally understand."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Tong smiled and said, "Since there's a possibility of becoming a Grand Martial Master by studying at the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts Academy, it doesn't really make much difference whether or not you go to the Tianjin Martial Arts Academy."
"Tong'er, you don't need to comfort me."
Zhou Chengzong reached out and gently patted his son's shoulder, his tone carrying a knowing understanding of the ways of the world:
"Jinmen Martial Arts Academy is not only a place where martial arts flourish in Beihe Province, but also a place where connections gather. The students there are all wealthy and noble, and there are many famous teachers. If you can go there to study, regardless of whether you achieve anything in martial arts, the relationships you make will be of great help to your future... But let's not talk about that."
He sighed softly, looked at Zhou Tong, his expression turning serious, and gave him instructions:
"If you have the chance to meet Master Ni of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School later, you must be extremely respectful. He is a true Grand Martial Master, incomparable to the guards in your household."
His status was such that even the heads of the major families in Cangzhou would treat him as an equal and dare not show him the slightest disrespect.
Zhou Tong's expression hardened, and he said solemnly, "Your son understands."
The car finally stopped at the end of a quiet alley paved with bluestone slabs.
A courtyard house with blue bricks and gray tiles, and a slightly old-fashioned gate, comes into view. Above the gate hangs a black plaque with gold characters that has been weathered by time: "Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School".
The plaque has a dark lacquer color and deep wood grain, yet it possesses a profound and imposing aura.
The two slightly mottled vermilion doors were ajar, and from inside came steady shouts and muffled sounds of fists and feet breaking the air.
Afu stepped forward and pushed open the slightly heavy wooden door. With a creak, a spacious training courtyard was revealed.
It was early morning, and the rising sun was casting its slanting rays. Dozens of young men dressed in gray short-sleeved outfits were practicing boxing in the courtyard.
Their movements were perfectly synchronized, their breaths audible, and their fists and feet created a powerful airflow. Sweat glistened in the rising sun, and the air was filled with a strong sense of masculine energy and the smell of dust.
Zhou Chengzong stepped inside, found a burly steward with sharp eyes and slightly protruding temples, and explained his purpose.
The other person's sharp gaze swept over Zhou Tong, as if examining an object. After glancing at Zhou Tong twice, he silently nodded and led the two across the compacted mud ground in the front yard to a quieter courtyard in the back, where several old locust trees were planted.
"Tong'er, wait here for a moment and do not wander around."
Zhou Chengzong stood in the courtyard, whispered an instruction to Zhou Tong, straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and then walked towards the main room, knocking lightly three times on the tightly closed nanmu wood door.
"Come in." A calm yet powerful voice came from inside the door.
Zhou Chengzong pushed open the door and entered.
The room was dimly lit and simply furnished. By the window, a middle-aged man dressed in a dark blue cotton robe sat on a heavy armchair, slowly wiping away the tea foam with the lid of his cup.
His face was ordinary, and his figure seemed unremarkable, but when he sat there, his shoulders and back were as straight as a pine tree, as if his roots were deeply embedded in the earth, and he had a profound and imposing presence that could not be ignored.
This man is Ni Dongting, the headmaster of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School.
Upon seeing Zhou Chengzong enter, he did not stand up, but merely raised his eyes and nodded slightly, his gaze calm and unwavering.
Zhou Chengzong stepped forward, bowed deeply, and earnestly explained his purpose.
Director Ni listened quietly until Zhou Chengzong finished speaking, then gently placed the white porcelain teacup in his hand on the chicken wing wood tea table next to him, making a crisp "clattering" sound.
"Mr. Zhou, there's no need for such formalities."
His voice was not loud, but each word was clear and distinct, carrying a unique rhythm: "When I first arrived in Cangzhou, everything went wrong. I owe you a debt of gratitude for the seventy-year-old ginseng that healed my wounds. However..."
He looked at Zhou Chengzong with a calm gaze, yet Zhou Chengzong felt an invisible pressure:
"You can learn martial arts from me, but I can't guarantee anything else. It depends on your son's natural talent, perseverance, and aptitude. This needs to be made clear beforehand."
"Of course, of course! What happens in the future depends entirely on my son's fate. I, Zhou, will have no complaints!" Zhou Chengzong quickly agreed, adopting an extremely humble posture.
He stepped forward, respectfully placed the prepared tuition fee on the table, subtly pushed it forward half an inch, and looked at Director Ni with a smile.
Director Ni's gaze lingered briefly on the bundle of gifts, then he looked up at Zhou Chengzong, nodded slightly, and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips. He did not refuse.
Upon seeing this, Zhou Chengzong immediately understood: "It's done!"
The Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School has opened and is now accepting students; anyone who pays a fee can enter and learn martial arts.
Logically, he could have just told Zhou Tong to bring the money and register himself, but today he brought Zhou Tong here personally, which clearly indicates a deeper purpose.
He wanted to see if Director Ni still recognized the favor they had done for each other, and how much that favor still held in the other person's heart.
This tuition fee is an unspoken test.
If the other party refuses to accept tuition fees and instead uses "waiving tuition fees" as repayment, it proves that the other party did not take the initial favor seriously.
Now that the tuition fee has been accepted, the favor will naturally come later.
Although Zhou Chengzong was not a martial artist, he was knowledgeable and well-versed in the intricate rules of martial arts schools.
Entering a martial arts school to learn martial arts is easy, but becoming a personal disciple is difficult.
Besides having to be a martial arts talent, one also needs to serve diligently, win the master's favor, and undergo a long period of testing before being formally accepted into the master's school.
Both were worldly-wise people, and many things didn't need to be explained; they understood each other implicitly.
Director Ni's meaning was very clear: as long as Zhou Tong is a martial arts talent, given this personal favor, if he wants to take on a personal disciple, he will give priority to Zhou Tong.
Zhou Chengzong bowed again, carefully left the quiet room, and gently closed the door behind him.
Upon entering the courtyard, Zhou Chengzong beckoned Zhou Tong to his side and whispered a few words of instruction.
Zhou Tong nodded repeatedly.
Next, Zhou Chengzong left on his own, while Zhou Tong, led by the steward, went to the front yard.
The other party handed him over to a burly, kind-looking young man and then turned and left.
"My name is Chen Zong, and I am the senior disciple of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School. I will teach the basics to newcomers."
Chen Zong had the demeanor of a martial artist; he spoke concisely and moved nimbly. As he spoke, he reached out and pinched and kneaded Zhou Tong's shoulders, back, and leg bones at key points, then nodded slightly, "You've recovered well."
"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother." Zhou Tong said respectfully.
Chen Zong nodded slightly and led him to a relatively quiet corner on one side of the courtyard, where they stood still.
"Now that you have joined my Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School, today I will teach you the fundamentals—the Dragon Tiger Stance."
Chen Zong's expression was solemn. "In martial arts cultivation, the foundation is paramount. What is the foundation? It is this 'training method'—strengthening the skin and flesh, fortifying the muscles and bones, and nourishing the five internal organs. This is the source of all 'fighting techniques.' The Dragon-Tiger Stance is the core training method of our sect!"
He paused slightly, then said in a deep voice, "I will first teach you the Dragon Tiger Flesh Training Stance. This stance is specifically designed to strengthen the skin and flesh, and consists of sixteen forms. Today, I will teach you the first four forms. Pay close attention to them and practice diligently. Once you have grasped the essentials, we can proceed with the next steps."
"Yes!" Zhou Tong perked up, feeling slightly excited. After all the twists and turns, he was finally able to practice martial arts.
Chen Zong said no more, lowered his body slightly, and assumed a fighting stance.
His feet were firmly planted like rocks, his back was slightly arched like a tiger poised to pounce, and his arms stretched out with the agility of a dragon emerging from the abyss. Every move was steady and fluid, yet contained explosive power.
He moved slowly, demonstrating the movements while explaining, gradually teaching Zhou Tong the transitions and breathing coordination of the first four stances.
"Did you see that clearly? Do as instructed."
Chen Zong gives the first impression of being a bit serious, but he is actually very responsible in his teaching. He explained things in detail three times before stopping.
"I'll give it a try."
Zhou Tong nodded slightly and, following Chen Zong's example, struck a pose.
Watching Chen Zong do it is one thing, but when it's his turn to do it, it's another. Although Zhou Tong tried his best to imitate, his movements were stiff, awkward, and crooked.
Chen Zong was not surprised. He calmly stepped forward and patted or pressed on several key areas such as the man's knees, lower back, and shoulder blades, adjusting his posture while explaining:
"Hang your head above your head, tuck your chest in and straighten your back, sink your breath to your dantian... Remember this feeling."
Chen Zong explained it to Zhou Tong for a while, and then let him practice and comprehend it on his own.
Zhou Tong remained alone in the corner, enduring the throbbing pain in his body, trying his best to maintain the adjusted posture, and carefully savoring the key points his senior brother had taught him.
Just as he was focused on correcting a subtle movement, trying to make his posture more standard—
hum!
The transparent box appeared without warning.
[Dragon and Tiger Muscle Training Posture - First Four Forms: There are multiple deviations in the posture.]
Almost simultaneously, it was as if a clear stream had been poured into Zhou Tong's mind, and a series of clear and distinct pieces of information flowed into his brain:
Slightly rotate your left foot by three-tenths of an inch, lightly press your heel down, and shift your weight forward by half an inch...
If your breathing rhythm is not in sync with your movements, focus your mind on your lower abdomen when inhaling, and direct your breath to your extremities when exhaling...
Shoulders should be relaxed and lowered, in sync with hips...