Read Martial Arts Master - Chapter 65 online free - Light Novel Full
Chapter 65: Dark History
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
After being exposed to "Braham"'s cockiness, Lou Cheng was influenced and felt immeasurably satisfied. His heart was filled with a vague brightness, and he hurriedly skimmed through the responses, eager to see what they were.
"Beautiful World" used ellipses to express her mood. "This isn't science… "
"Outspoken" said with more skepticism, "Is Lou Cheng taking red pellets or something? Otherwise, how could he possibly have won against Master Road?"
"First off, the rules allow for this. Second, what about the 5000 yuan for the 16 fighters? Don't similar things hurt the body even more?" "Plumber Eating Mushrooms" retorted against "Outspoken".
That's right; I can use that money to buy some red pellets. Why shouldn't I use that 5000 yuan and splurge a little? Lou Cheng nodded his head slightly.
Like they say, your surroundings make you who you are. Husbands and wives, and boyfriend and girlfriends become more and more like the longer they are together. He'd already unconsciously learned a few phrases that Yan Zheke was prone to using.
"Unparalleled Dragon King" responded first with an emoji that had a blank stare. "How to explain? After this message, I can see how stupid I was then. That was unreasonable! I've been thinking for a long time about when I watched the fight on video. I discovered that although Master Road was the most popular, and had a chance to win, he hit…hit…how to say? He wasn't determined enough, not adventurous enough. On the other hand, Lou Cheng seized that brief moment of opportunity and his energy was like a rainbow. He was firm, decisive, and fought like his life depended on it."
"Ah, so foolish road came across a brave victor… " "Pig-Riding Knight" replied.
"In other words, Road to the Arena lost because of his attitude? Because I confronted him and took a photo when he was half naked, he wasn't moving at all… " The younger girl "Wonton Seller" said.
"No Hooligans" snickered as he replied to her, "So you think Master Road's body isn't as good as Little Punch's?"
"No no no, my mind's just racing, how did Road to the Arena manage to lose? how could he lose, just like that?" "Wonton Seller" sent an emoji with its hands outstretched helplessly.
"Okamoto's Fan" said with tears flowing, "You're all terrible people! Yesterday in the forum everyone was speaking with such certainty, like they were 100% confident, that it made me think Master Road was sure to win. I made a special bet, and today I was at home paralyzed, just waiting for heaven to take me."
"Really? for real? don't scare me like that!" "Wonton Seller" replied without delay.
"Okamoto's Fan" said, "No, not really… but I did lose a month's worth of cigarette money. I've already gone and wept in the bathroom."
"A Plumber Eating Mushroom" said with a sigh, "Just for the sake of debate, and not to say this is his actual strength, but Lou Cheng really does seem like he's at the Amateur First Pin level. Against a Professional Ninth Pin fighter who's been out of practice for a few years, the difference isn't really that significant. Showing up and doing your best is what's more important, your attitude and willpower are more important."
Hehe, thanks for the praise… every comment made Lou Cheng jump over the moon with joy. It was like a secret pleasure that he had all to himself!
He continued to look further down. The young girl "Braham" had come back and with a big laugh said, "Do you see the reality now? Do you know how awesome my new idol is now? That's right, do we have an agreement on those pictures? You can't cheat a little kid!"
"Unparalleled Dragon King" responded to her, "I'm pretty sure I saw The Last 16's photos on the official website, I'll help you look."
About ten seconds later, he uploaded a photo of Lou Cheng standing in the middle of the arena wearing a navy blue Longhu Club martial arts suit. The lighting fell on the top of his head, which seemed to bath him in a radiant aura.
When was this taken? It was pretty good! Lou Cheng was flabbergasted at first, and pleasantly surprised shortly after. It seemed like this photo was taken by the official website photographer just after his victory against Zhou Yuanning. The angle was great, and all of the corners and contours were sharp. It made him look much more handsome than in a regular photo.
Whoever you offend, don't offend the photographer… he entertained the notion while he saved the photo and sent it to Yan Zheke.
Nowadays, there were more folders on his hard drive about "Yanling Martial Arts", videos he'd especially saved related to the competition, as well as other photos and information that served as souvenirs. Included amongst these was a file labeled "Yan". Inside there were saved copies of all the voice messages and records of all the chat messages he had had with her. Since he was afraid of losing them, he'd backed up this file numerous times and saved it on several hard drives.
"Pretty good, I almost didn't recognize you!" Yan Zheke responded quickly with an emoji pushing up its sunglasses.
"I'm convinced the photographer did some photoshopping and worked some magic on my face. The latter two don't look like this. It's like I've been changed beyond recognition." Lou Cheng replied with a snicker, "Looks like I've found out you're not too fond of photos that have been altered too much?"
Yan Zheke responded clearly and concisely, "It's lazy, annoying, and shouldn't be allowed in the photography trade."
"Then I better improve my photo taking skills, I'm not sure if I'll be able to take photos to your satisfaction." Lou Cheng said subtly.
"Then you need to work hard. If you make me look ugly in a photo, you know what'll happen." Yan Zheke teased.
While they spoke, Lou Cheng continued to look at the replies, and just saw "Brahman" say, "Wow, my new idol is pretty good! It looks like he's also wearing the Longhu club colors! It is fate!"
"Wonton Seller" scratched her head and said, "Why does it feel like he looks familiar?"
"I feel that way too… " replied Above the Sky, a longtime lurker, "I remember, everybody waits a sec!"
She quickly posted a link. "Go look! It's that boy we saw before at the very beginning of the National University Martial Arts Competitions program! Damn, even then I was saying that that goofy-looking guy was cute! When did I become a master of telling someone had intrinsic supernatural abilities just by looking at their appearance?!"
"What? What?" "Brahman" used an adorable emoji staring blankly as she said, "I saw first!"
Shortly after, "Wonton Seller" replied, "… it really actually is that passerby guy from before… how is it that that goofy-looking guy who was babbling about how honored he was could suddenly some mysterious expert that can prevail against a Professional Ninth Pin?"
"Are you saying he's putting on an act and is a wolf in sheep's clothing, or that he's normally that goofy but becomes a master when he steps into the arena?" "Above the Sky" also displayed a mixture of astonishment and doubt.
"So it was him all along… " "Unparalleled Dragon King" was unable to conceal his surprise, "He didn't seem like he was putting on an act then, but surely he couldn't go from being an ordinary person to a powerful Amateur First Pin through just four months of work? That's f*cking impossible!"
"Could it also be that maybe he does have a supernatural ability? But for a rookie fight with only four months of training to defeat a master… if Master Road knew, he'd be sick… " "A Plumber Eating Mushrooms" responded.
"Unparalleled Dragon King" still wasn't too convinced. "I've done a bit of research, there's really no information on him. I'll see if I can get any of his classmates from Songcheng University and ask them."
Shocked, "Brahman" burst into laughter and said,
"I never expected that! So my new idol has this kind of dim-witted past, I need to save that! I'll enjoy that over and over! I'm gonna make it into an emoji pack! After he becomes a really famous fighter, this'll be a dark history, a real low point!"
Damn it! This had come up yet again… Lou Cheng stared as his mouth started to twitch. It felt like this "goofy looking passby", this dark history would follow him his entire life…
He skimmed through the forums for the entire night and spoke with Yan Zheke, replying to messages that he hadn't had time to handle before, and also watched some comedy videos. His mind and body were relaxed, as if he were on vacation, leisurely and carefree.
Coming back from training the next afternoon, Lou Cheng still was looking at Ye Youting's fight videos, looking for any relevant information. No matter what, this was ones of the customs of being a fighter. No matter what, surely he wouldn't suffer too unsightly a loss?
…
As it was getting closer and closer to the Spring Festival, gradually more companies were going on vacation. Heading towards the Yanling martial arts arena, one could see that the Challenge Tournament's crowds were no longer mainly comprised of students on winter vacation.
Somewhere on the viewing platform, two young ladies were watching. One had her hair fastened in a ponytail and was wearing a "Yiye Martial Arts School" exercise outfit. She held a small bullhorn and was glancing all around her in excitement. The young girl beside her was quite delicate and only 1.5 meters tall, with a cute face like that of a child. She was engrossed in her phone, her ears oblivious to the news and happenings outside of the window.
The young lady with the ponytail turned around, saw that her friend wasn't the slightest bit engrossed in the atmosphere of the stadium, and immediately roared,
"Yan Xiaoling!"
The petite girl with the child's face instinctively trembled as she looked up in bewilderment at her friend, "What?"
"You tell me! We've been on vacation for a few days, and you've spent every day lying on your bed playing with your phone. I ask you to come out shopping with you, you won't come. I ask you to go out and have dinner, you won't come, and you won't come with me to watch a martial arts competition together! It's just the same as if you were glued to your bed. Other than eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom, you tell me how many days you haven't gotten out of bed!" The girl with the ponytail spoke like someone who had been betrayed by her own confidante.
Yan Xiaoling looked towards her friend and said in a whisper, "5, 6, 7, 8 days… ?"
Her voice was very delicate like a small child's.
"5, 6, 7, 8 days… tell me, what's the point in spending most of your vacation lying on your bed?" You don't think that you wasting your time and wasting your life?" The girl with the ponytail exploded with the anger of someone who had been stood up time and time again.
Yan Xiaoling didn't dare look at her face to face. "I don't think staying in bed is wasting my time or my life… "
"You still dare say that? If you stay like this, what are you going to do afterward? How can you find a boyfriend? You'd be better off marrying your bed or your phone!" The girl with the ponytail looked at her in disgust, then turned her head and looked into the distance, pretending to ignore her.
Yan Xiaoling looked towards where her friend was looking, trying to catch a glimpse. With her back turned towards her, she whispered one word at a time,
"If… it… was… possible… "
"What did you say?!" The girl with the ponytail turned her head suddenly.
"I didn't say anything!" Yan Xiaoling eyes were bright.
"Forget it, I don't feel like talking to you. Just wait a moment and remember to help me cheer on Senior Sister Ye!" The girl with the ponytail sighed.
"Okay." Yan Xiaoling answered quickly.
…
While the crowd was waiting for the match, in the women's locker room, Ye Youting was in the middle of exercising.
"Even though it won't be a problem for you to win against Lou Cheng, don't be too careless. Who knows what else he's got up his sleeve." Beside her, Jiang Lan smiled and reminded her.
During the afternoon competition, she, Huang Zhenzhong, Li Xiaoyuan, and Wang Ye had all taken the lead and come in the first 8.
"Relax Sister Lan, I'm not too careless now. On the contrary, when I think about that fighter who's time and time again shocked everyone, on the verge of being finished by my hand, I'm rather inspired." Yu Youting replied with gusto.
…
In the men's locker room, Lou Cheng took out his phone and with a smile on his face sent Yan Zheke a message.
"Only five minutes away from my bitter tears."
He darkly poked fun at himself for amusement.
"Haha, you can't lose too badly. Otherwise, when I watch the video I'll pretend like I don't know you." Yan Zheke replied with a devilish grin.
"I'll do my best!" Lou Cheng replied with a grin.
After a moment, he logged out of QQ, put away his phone, pushed open the doors of the locker room, and headed towards the center of the ring. He still wasn't near when he saw Ye Youting already waiting there, her white silhouette straight as an arrow.
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Chapter 66: Beyond the Utmost Limit
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Handing his phone to the supervisor, Lou Cheng climbed up the flight of stairs into the ring. Cameras flashed in his face from all directions for the moment.
"I thought the big BOSS would wait until the last moment to reveal himself." Lou Cheng, very relaxed, joked during the conversation time.
To be honest, he was kind of in shock that Ye Youting was in the ring waiting for him, quite different from her previous style.
Ye Youting's hair tied up, showing her silken forehead. She chuckled. "Are you calling yourself the big BOSS?"
"Sure. The big BOSS is doomed to be defeated by the protagonist," said Lou Cheng with a smile. In his heart he pissed on himself.
This is the ideological level of celebrating the win cheerily and accepting the loss joyfully. The only problem is I'm to lose and only to lose…
"You are pretty good with words." Ye Youting seemed surprised but soon straightened her face. "I lost 1,000 yuan because of you!"
"Ahh?" Lou Cheng was puzzled. "Say what?"
"I betted on your loss yesterday… " A smile was brought back to her face. "No big deal. I feel full of strength knowing you are to be my opponent. Defeating a fast-rising martial artist is more exciting than anything else. It's gonna be a great experience for you as well, preventing you from becoming wildly arrogant and supercilious and saving you from bigger setbacks in the future."
Her deliberate maturity failed to stir up a ripple in Lou Cheng's heart and almost made him laugh. Around the same age with Lou Cheng, she went for full-time martial arts training instead of advanced education like most professional martial artists. It was why Peng Leyun, Ren Li, Lin Que and Li Xiaoyuan attracted so much attention in the university martial arts circle.
Isn't it too much for a girl of her age to talk like that?
"I'd like to consider myself modest and self-effacing." Lou Cheng tried hard to make himself look sincere.
Ye Youting didn't expect the opponent to be so good-tempered that her planned sarcasm couldn't continue. "Anyway, I'm gonna show you the difference between you and a real Professional Ninth Pin martial artist!" said her, biting her lips.
"Looking forward to it!" Lou Cheng grinned, showing eight of his teeth, calm and carefree.
He stopped talking and started to gather his thoughts and adjust his body. As his muscles moved slightly, he gradually prepared himself.
The difference between him and his opponent was probably huge and he had accepted that his defeat would be the only possible outcome. But in the ring, he would still do his best and practice what he had learned, living up to the reputation of a true fighter!
Time flew fast. The referee raised his right hand and swung it down with great force.
"Fight!"
His shout for start was closely followed by cheers and noises from the stands. Ye Youting and Lou Cheng's names were called out loudly, echoing through the stadium.
"Sister Ye, come on!" The young girl with a ponytail in Ye Youting's style cried shrilly. Next to her was the childish young girl Yan Xiaoling blowing a trumpet like those primary school students.
Like a leopard, Ye Youting dashed out and closed up the distance between them in two or three strides. Her body rose as if a ferocious tiger flourishing its claws.
Knowing her astonishing might and explosive force, Lou Cheng shifted his weight, straightened his back and slid to the side to avoid the frontal engagement.
At the level of Professional Ninth Pin, Ye Youting had long mastered the meditation and practiced Yin-Yang Stance and lightning and fire stance in order to achieve the Danqi stage. As Lou Cheng dodged away, she twisted her waist and adjusted her muscles, turning towards Lou Cheng in the air at a very high speed in a nimble manner with no hesitation or delay. Those who could understand it gave a good round of applause.
She was much faster than Lou Cheng. After one breath's time, Lou Cheng could already hear danger right behind him. He immediately made a step to the left, his heart sinking slightly.
As soon as his foot touched the ground, his spine moved like a dragon just waking up and pulled all his muscles, moving his body to the right forcibly to keep away from Ye Youting.
Ye Youting followed to the left, seemingly wrong-footed by her opponent, but all of a sudden her left leg tightened up, pushing the ground to bounce her body to the right to Lou Cheng's side. Her right arm raised and cut down with great might like a tiger howling with the rise of winds.
Lou Cheng had no time to shift his weight again. In response, he quickly lowered his body and threw his right fist out like a hammer. In his mind was a lightning bolt came down from heaven, starting a prairie fire and within his body a stream of heat rolled on in waves.
Memories of Ye Youting's strange might and explosive force were very clear in Lou Cheng's head. He dared not take her lightly.
Pang!
Lou Cheng blocked Ye Youting's pound but his body, from hands to the tips of his toes, was shaking as if hit by a giant wood. He felt his weight falling apart and pressure from her might, which made him impossible to gather everything at once.
Ye Youting twisted her waist again, wringing her strength into a strand. Her tightened thigh suddenly threw a kick like a whip cracking through the air, aiming at the back of Lou Cheng's knee.
After one deep breath, Lou Cheng adjusted his muscles as fast as he could and tightened up his left leg. He then raised the leg and exerted his abrupt explosive force to confront Ye Youting's whip kick.
He felt a sharp pain in his shin. It was not broken but in desperate need of some good rub, which he was not given any time for. When his leg landed on the ground, Ye Youting's next punch was already very close to his chest with enough force to break a mountain, sending a crispy sound to his ears.
When his left foot was withdrawn, a lightning struck in Lou Cheng's head, followed by a snow-capped mountain crashing down. He lifted both of his hands in a hurry and barely blocked the punch. His body was shivering again as if a man inside an old bell was hit by sound waves from all directions after a toll. He felt dizzy and close to faint.
Ye Youting gained the upper hand and pushed her advantage by a series of whip slaps with both hands like a tiger pouncing on its prey. It might not look pleasant but was definitely fearful.
Bam… Bam… Bam… Lou Cheng fenced with Mega Avalanche and lightning and fire stance, struggling to hang on. His strength had been drained by the first few moves and Jindan started to rotate, sending a hot stream to smooth his weariness and recharge his body to keep him going.
On the stand, Jiang Lan was enjoying a cup of yoghourt with no concern at all about the fight, taking it as a matter of course. In her ears cheers and yells got louder and louder after each punch of Ye Youting's. The heat and enthusiasm were about to break through the roof.
Bam! Bam! Bam! The audience continued shouting while Ye Youting carried on with her mad offence. Lou Cheng's arms hurt so badly that he could barely breathe under the pressure.
He was literally running out of breath!
How intense this charge can get?
Lou Cheng was choking, unable to continue his defense. Ye Youting took a step back and then immediately sprang back with two blast punches of full strength to blow Lou Cheng away!
She is chucking her weight and might as one man of great strength can conquer ten men of skills.
Pressing Jindan (the Golden Elixir) harder and harder to keep himself going, Lou Cheng was reaching his utmost limit. He felt drowning, unable to get air into his chest and unable to exert his strength. His arms were still in defensive position but he couldn't effectively block her offence any more. In his head was dead silence and peace, free from worry right before suffocation. Tons of snow was still avalanching and rolling down.
At this very moment, he saw Jindan (the Golden Elixir) in his lower stomach and the glorious nebula inflating and expanding. One by one, tiny ice crystals flew out of orbit to join his imagination.
On one side was tons of snow crashing down from high peaks and on the other white cataract flooding and rolling, burying all traces of lives!
Changes occurred beyond the utmost limit!
A cold wave broke out, rolling in Lou Cheng's body and very close to tearing his organs apart. He was forced to throw a punch!
Pang! Glacier mountains collapsed. A vast expanse of whiteness. Lou Cheng's one hand collided into Ye Youting's two fists.
Bang! The two separated after the dull sound. It was Ye Youting who moved back!
On the stand Jiang Lan and Li Xiaoyuan got to their feet in a flash. Not a single sound came from the audience!
Lou Cheng noticed Ye Youting's astonishment but the avalanche and flood were beyond his control. He stepped forward and compressed every muscle of his. A left blast punch broke out.
Ye Youting managed to stabilize her weight and engaged the punch with a cross pound. The collision forced her left leg to move backwards to dissolve some of the strength.
She could clearly feel the opponent's might was much greater than hers in the last collision. She was terribly in shock and dared not to act recklessly.
How was it possible?
Where did he get such terrifying might?
How could he exert such terrible strength like a monster at the brink of ruin?
Pang! Ye Youting's arm was numb. She had to take another step back to dissolve more strength.
Before she could stand firm, she saw Lou Cheng approaching with a side elbow hit.
She hurried to take a breath and made up a scene of a river breaking through its banks and flooding around in her mind. Her body pushed forward with full strength to confront Lou Cheng's offence.
Pang! An even louder sound of collision echoed in every spectator's heart, sending a shiver down their spine.
Ye Youting warded off the punch but her body was shaking with cold. Fear and panic filled in the audience's eyes. Lou Cheng followed up with another whip punch, pushing Ye Youting out of her stance.
The force of avalanche is invincible!
The cold wave quieted down within Lou Cheng's body but the remaining chill kept his left leg tight. He was about to utterly destroy Ye Youting with a final whip kick.
His body was grabbed and shook and his strength was scattered.
He turned around and saw the referee.
The referee raised his right hand and announced loudly,
"Lou Cheng won!"
Lou Cheng won? This must be a dream, very unreal even for Lou Cheng himself!
Ye Youting was still shivering, a bitter smile and fear climbed on her face.
"So I'm not the protagonist… "
Lou Cheng didn't answer. He felt he was dying. The chill was replaced by flames from Jindan (the Golden Elixir) in a state of imbalance, burning his body and forehead and turning his face red abnormally.
"Thank you for your instructions… " said Lou Cheng with great difficulty. He grabbed his mobile and returned to the locker room in a hurry, leaving thousands of spectators in shock and professional martial artists stunned.
In the locker room, Lou Cheng jumped into the shower. Putting away his phone and stripping off his clothes, he turned on the cold water to the full.
The chill on his skin didn't seem to help with the burn inside. The burnt black fish came to his mind. He moaned miserably.
Damn it! This boomerang is too scary… Am I to die here…
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Chapter 67: The Feeling of Illness
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Cold water hit Lou Cheng's skin and the chill penetrated through his body. Any ordinary man would stay away from the biting cold in the middle of winter but Lou Cheng saw it as a cure to save his life from the burn.
The heat inside his body was almost unbearable. The wind was roaring in his lung. With every breath, the air would intensify the flames. His consciousness was leaving him. And he curled up by instinct to keep as much of his body as possible under the ice-cold water.
On the little cabinet, his mobile flashed a new message notification on the locked screen. The faint light temporarily illuminated through the dark.
…
Outside the locker room, the odd silence continued as no one could believe what they had just seen and no one would like to doubt common sense. Ignorant and muddled, young children were scared by the atmosphere and stopped playing around.
Standing on the guest stand, Jiang Lan gazed at Ye Youting who was still shivering slightly. Her eyes were filled with disbelief and astonishment. The yoghourt cup in her hand was about to break at any second.
Lou Cheng's victory over Zhou Yuanning yesterday was kind of within her expectation. She was a bit surprised but accepted it with ease. But this fight had completely messed her cognition. According to her martial arts knowledge and experience, Lou Cheng had merely a 1% chance of defeating Ye Youting only if she was not in her best form and took her opponent too lightly. The reality just slapped everyone.
Did he take some pills or newly developed foreign stimulant? No. In that case, he would have grabbed the upper hand from the beginning and given Ye Youting no opportunity to corner him to despair.
Thoughts flashed across her mind. She watched Ye Youting walk out of the ring alone towards the women's locker room and hurried to give her best friend some comfort, her eyes filled with confusion and concern.
Jiang Lan's passing by brought Wang Ye and Li Xiaoyuan back to reality.
"This makes no sense… " murmured Wang Ye, puzzled.
If Lou Cheng could exert such terrifying combat strength at bay, how did I defeat him?
But it was not a dream. Ye Youting fought her best so it was not a faked loss. Lou Cheng's explosive power was so real, even for them professional martial artists. They could feel the avalanche approaching. They could feel the chill.
"I find it nonsense as well." Li Xiaoyuan didn't know whether he should laugh or cry.
Wang Ye took a deep breath and reflected on it. "What do you think just happened?"
Li Xiaoyuan recalled details of the fight carefully. "Based on all the fictions I've read, I believe Lou Cheng broke through himself and aroused some unusual supernatural ability in great adversity."
"… Possible." Wang Ye nodded after a while.
Li Xiaoyuan's lips twitched a little. "I was kidding… "
"Very possible." Wang Ye looked serious.
Li Xiaoyuan didn't know how to respond.
…
All the feelings were fading. Lou Cheng felt everything was so very far away. He couldn't reach anything. Sounds came from heaven, misty and flashy.
Flames were rolling in his body, boiling his blood and burning his organs, causing terrible discomfort. It was so hard to get through. Thoughts perished like the tide. He was so close to black out.
Am I… Am I to die?
No… I must get up! I need to see a doctor… I can't die here…
Illusions hovered on his mind, from his happy childhood, life difficulties, his hard-working mother, his mistreated father, to Yan Zheke's first encouragement…
Abruptly his mobile rang and vibration came from the small cabinet as if someone from afar was worried very much.
Lou Cheng could hear the sound but his body remained under the cold water however hard he struggled as if in a nightmare of possessed by a wicked spirit.
Am I to die here?
…
In the women's locker room, Ye Youting sat on a bench quietly. Her hair was a mess, falling down from both sides, covering most of her face but the clearly lost eyes. Her body was still shaking.
Jiang Lan felt pain in her heart for what she saw and tried to comfort. "The jerk must have played some tricks. You did nothing wrong."
Ye Youting raised her head up and her long black hair slid to her back. Her face was pale with a layer of gray. She opened her mouth with confusion.
"I'm not sad… "
She opened her cuff and rolled up her sleeve, revealing her arm to Jiang Lan. A thin layer of frost was there, slowly volatilizing.
"This… " Jiang Lan drew in her breath.
…
In the auditorium the odd silence broke apart, replaced by cheers, shouts, and murmurs in a whirl. Some of the spectators were cursing and yelling, accusing Ye Youting and Lou Cheng of a faked match in cooperation with gambling firms.
The childish young girl Yan Xiaoling gazed at the ring blankly, her lips half opened.
The girl with a ponytail gradually recovered from the massive shock and loss and turned to her best friend. She asked irritably, "Why are your mouth opened so widely? I wish I had some bullshit to feed you!"
"Ahh?" Yan Xiaoling instantly shut up her mouth, completely puzzled.
"Sigh… Sister Ye lost… How could Sister Ye lose the match?" muttered the girl with a ponytail sadly.
Yan Xiaoling turned her head away and whispered to herself, "What an intense fight! How brutal! How handsome! Oh no… I'm falling… "
Her eyes turned to the service desk, planning on asking for that young man's information and downloading his match videos and relevant news. As a Scoia'tael, it was her instinct to collect, classify and save resources.
Among all the reporters, finally someone came back to sense and became abnormally excited, his pen flowing rapidly over the paper.
"The biggest surprise of the Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament took place today! The mysterious sleeper Lou Cheng continued his miracle!"
…
It felt like a long time when Lou Cheng gradually came back to himself, resuming feelings and senses about his surroundings. He struggled to get back on his feet but he had no strength to support his weight. His forehead and face were still burning hot but the heat within his body quieted down.
"So very close to death… " He turned off the water and reflected with fear. "Thank goodness I didn't push my limit during those endurance training… "
To Lou Cheng, the suffering must have lasted for days. He moved to the cabinet and picked up his mobile. It was only 20 minutes and there were over a dozen missed calls from Yan Zheke. Almost one every minute.
"Out of contact right after the match. Of course she's worried… " Lou Cheng felt very joyful, enjoying Yan Zheke's concern for him. What a wonderful feeling! Discomfort and unease in his body seemed to get better already.
He dried his body with difficulty and put his clothes on before returning Yan Zheke's call.
"Hello, Cheng?" Anxiety and unease were obvious in her voice.
"It's me." Lou Cheng's voice was unbelievably dry and hoarse.
Yan Zheke sounded relieved. "Thank god. I was worried it might be from the emergency center… You really scared me! Why didn't you pick up your phone?"
Her voice trembled with emotion and gave a kind of sob. Lou Cheng was touched, his eyes turning red and his heart full of joy.
He answered honestly, "I almost passed out. Still recovering."
"Phew… I thought I was just making it up… You didn't reply my message so I watched the video of your match. Your final explosion was too… Terrifying… I was worried something might happen to you. I called and called but no answer. I was so concerned you might black out and be sent to the emergency room or maybe no one noticed you and you were dying in a corner. I almost phoned the host of the tournament!" Yan Zheke finished everything in one breath. Her voice was rough and low, very different from her usual sweet and soft tone.
"I'm OK. Much better now. Don't worry." Lou Cheng tried to conform Yan Zheke. In his heart were warmth and happiness.
Yan Zheke heaved a sigh. "That's good. How do you feel now?"
"I feel sick with a fever, dazed and weak," answered Lou Cheng frankly.
"Hang up the phone and go to see a doctor!" Yan Zheke shouted fiercely.
Lou Cheng seemed to enjoy being scolded by her. He laughed.
"Yes, sir! Talk later."
"Hurry up!" Yan Zheke hastened.
After the phone call, Lou Cheng put on his jacket and packed his belongings. He headed towards the medical room, his feet weak and floaty as if walking on clouds, his head dizzy and his face and forehead very hot.
…
"Lou Cheng, a student of Songcheng University. 18 years old, of no rank. Wow! He's of no rank… " Yan Xiaoling couldn't help praising while reading the information.
The girl with a ponytail rolled her eyes. "I've told you his background. Apparently you didn't listen."
"He-heh… " Yan Xiaoling smiled in an awkward way without answering.
"What do you get Lou Cheng's information for?" asked the girl with a ponytail.
Yan Xiaoling nodded her head heavily. "I'm kind of falling for him. How handsome and impressive he was! I'll make a forum for him. I want to be his very first fan! I'm going to study in Songcheng University!"
"Sounds like you could get in there easily, fool!" The girl with a ponytail joked as she felt better.
…
In the emergency ward, a doctor checked Lou Cheng's temperature. He stared at Lou Cheng as if he was a monster.
"With a high fever of 40 degrees, you defeated Ye Youting… "
"So one injection for your fever plus some physical cooling to save your brain… "
Lou Cheng answered in a very weak voice, "I got the fever from the fight."
"Ha-hah. No jokes in the emergency room," laughed the doctor.
"I'm not joking… " Lou Cheng remained silent.
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Chapter 68: Early Retirement
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
In the central ring, dancers were performing with great passion but the audience seemed cold, still occupied by the previous match.
Old Zheng and his friends looked at each other, seeing shock and disbelief in their eyes.
"Every time I thought I knew Lou Cheng's limit but every time I was wrong," a friend of his said incoherently.
"Yeah. A surprise for us every time. And shock. Reminds me of the days when Warrior Sage and Dragon King were new in the circle." Old Zheng rubbed his forehead.
They commented with a tinge of emotion on the match and Old Zheng's sharp eye for spotting Lou Cheng, an extreme sleeper, and keeping his faith in him all through this tournament.
"Ha-hah! Old Zheng, how much did you make from this match? You better treat us to a nice meal!" a friend of his joked.
Old Zheng's face changed a bit and put on a forced smile.
"I bet on Ye Youting…"
"Ahh?" His friends were astonished and amused.
Old Zheng heaved a sigh. "I'm not a fortune teller. How could I damn know Lou Cheng would defeat Ye Youting?"
He swore a little to let out his mixed emotion.
…
Lying on a sick bed in the emergency ward under a normal saline IV therapy, Lou Cheng had no idea how the spectators were doing. He was waiting for the doctor to bring down his fever.
Lou Cheng grabbed his mobile with his right hand and took a photo of his left hand and the IV infusion for Yan Zheke. He sent a miserable emoji. "My last IV therapy was five or six years ago."
Lou Cheng had grown up healthy and strong. He had a cold or a fever here and there but several pills were always enough to suppress the symptoms. He hadn't felt a needle for years.
Yan Zheke replied an emoji weeping a cold sweat. "I had an IV therapy last year. But I'm already much better these years. Before I started my martial arts training, I visited hospitals every other week. Three years training and finally I became stronger. You have no idea how sick and weak I used to look in my primary school and middle school days. Now I'm more or less at the average health level."
"I'd love to see how you looked like in your primary and middle schools. You must be super adorable!" Although dizzy and giddy, Lou Cheng couldn't resist teasing her.
"Hmm… With an IV needle in your vein, you can still joke. How do you feel?" Yan Zheke sounded concerned.
Lou Cheng thought about it and typed with one hand. "The fever is pretty much gone. My head is not as hot, but my body still has no strength. And my head feels very heavy."
Yan Zheke sent him a laughing emoji with its mouth covered by its hands. "Hi, Lou Daiyu."
She continued with an emoji with a pair of bright piercing eyes. "By the way, what happened during the match with Ye Youting? How could you arouse such incredible might?"
Seemingly she had been holding back this question and finally let it out when Lou Cheng was obviously better.
Lou Cheng had been thinking how to explain it to her. He started with a teary emoji clenching fists. "I didn't want it. It was a total accident. I hoped for a decent loss, so I tried my best to hold on longer. I kept pressing my body, one minute after another.
"You know how ridiculous my physical strength can be. I'd never reached my limit until this last match. Something exploded inside my body, giving off a horrible force, pushing me to attack until Ye Youting was down on the ground.
"After the force was released, I felt empty, close to a faint. My face must look terrible with abnormal redness towards the end of the match."
He pretty much told the truth except Jindan (the Golden Elixir) was replaced by his inner force.
Yan Zheke sent him an emoji of knocking head and scolding. "You deserve it! People explore their potential step by step, afraid of anything going wrong like Wang Xiaoshuang who was sent to practice meditation in Daxing Temple after his supernatural ability of manipulating fire went out of control and burnt down several houses. Why did you push your gift in physical strength beyond the limit? Now you see the consequence?"
"Yes, I see. Thank you, Coach Yan, for your wisdom. I'll never do it again!" Feeling love and warmth from the scold, Lou Cheng sincerely apologized and made his promise.
How happy and joyful it is to feel love and care from the loved one!
After being so close to death, Lou Cheng dared not to abuse Jindan (the Golden Elixir) like this anymore. He needed a better, safer way to digest it.
Yan Zheke replied an emoji of a cat holding dried fish. "That's good. I'll get some information and tips about how to gradually exploit one's talent and supernatural ability from my grandpa. Or you'll have to seek advice from Coach Shi. He seems full of stories and experiences."
"Coach Yan is the best!" Lou Cheng answered with a sly grin. His eyelid started to sink and weariness showered down his body. Ready to fall back to sleep any second, Lou Cheng added, "If I don't reply, I'm asleep. Don't worry."
"Hmm! I won't worry. I was just terrified." Yan Zheke recalled her feeling and sent a stunned dog emoji. "Everything seemed fine when you were suppressed by Ye Youting at the beginning of the match. I was thinking about how to poke fun at your loss when you abruptly exploded like a Super Saiyan. My eyes didn't blink for a long time after that. I knew this kind of explosion came at a price as we were not in a comic book. So I phoned you right away."
Lou Cheng felt weak and tired, and his typing slowed down. Before he could finish his reply, Yan Zheke's next message already arrived, starting with an onion bulb sighing emoji. "That poor girl must be destroyed. Who could have guessed she would lose the fight? Not even you!"
"Life is all about surprises. I've completed a small miracle and added ten more grand to our meal foundation!" The good side of the result brightened Lou Cheng up.
"I'll eat away all your savings!" Yan Zheke sent a cute emoji of eating a big bowl of noodles.
"All my life… " said Lou Cheng in his heart.
"By the way, Cheng, have you got your train ticket?" Yan Zheke suddenly changed the topic to a very important matter about whether Lou Cheng could make it home.
Lou Cheng was wide awake all of a sudden. "Damn! Forgot about it."
"You in your current status are able to gobble up a ticket? Give me your ID number and let me help." Yan Zheke added an emoji demanding compliments.
Wild with joy, Lou Cheng instantly wrote back. "Lovely Yan Zheke is so beautiful and kind! Give me your alipay account and I'll transfer you some money for the ticket. Let me know if not enough."
The conversation continued until he fell asleep. A strange assortment of visions and voices flashed and vanished in his dream, leaving no trace behind.
It was towards 5 p.m. when Lou Cheng finally woke up. His head was still in a whirl and his body weak. The fever seemed gone as the burning sensation disappeared from his forehead and face.
"Here is 10,000 award money for making into the top eight. The hosts sent it over knowing you are recovering here." The doctor handed him a big stack of 100-bills.
Lou Cheng blew some air out and scratched his head. "Forgot about it. Thank you very much."
"No need. Bai Song will be your next opponent. Do your best and continue your magic!" The doctor waved his fist to send encouragement. Lou Cheng looked stunned.
…
Back to the hotel, Lou Cheng had no appetite at all. He took his medicine and chatted a bit with Yan Zheke in bed. Quickly he fell asleep and slept through the night until 7:30 the next morning and for the very first time missed his morning training.
His head was clear as if he had recovered from a severe disease. He tried to meditate and watch inside his body, checking if there were any hidden problems before logging on his QQ. He saw a message from Yan Zheke with a proud emoji pushing sunglasses. "Got you a ticket at 11:40 which should give you enough time to finish the match. But I think you can't finish the fight being so sick yesterday… "
"Coach Yan is very straightforward. I think I'll retire." Lou Cheng added a wronged emoji.
Yan Zheke sent an emoji losing in thought. "How do you feel?"
"The fever is gone. I'm actually feeling hungry. But still, my muscles hurt and I have no strength. I can barely walk with my bag, not to mention the fight." Lou Cheng felt under attack by many minor diseases after defeating a severe illness. He could sense some symptoms of a cold already.
"Don't worry. You expected to lose the match yesterday but you have made it to today. It's already a very good outcome!" Yan Zheke offered some comfort.
Lou Cheng got out of bed and cleaned up. He saw himself in the mirror, wan and sallow.
He gazed at himself for a minute or so and suddenly lifted his right hand. He snapped his fingers and a small flame appeared!
From the earlier inward vision, he saw the remaining heat from Jindan's flames completely blend into his body. The force was tiny and probably useless.
"What the heck is this?" Lou Cheng laughed, talking to his reflection in the mirror. "Congratulation for unlocking the supernatural lighter! A super power that can light a cigarette."
He blew the flicking flame off.
It could be a surprise magic show for Yan Zheke. These days supernatural ability was no longer news; just something odd that no one seemed to care. After watching his sudden explosion yesterday, she should be ready for some supernatural ability awakening.
…
After packing his bag, he struggled to put it on his back and checked himself out at the reception. He took a taxi to Yanling Martial Arts Stadium.
"Is your supervisor around?" He asked Ning Ling, the girl at the service desk.
Ning Ling was confused, "What do you need from the supervisor?"
She seemed more overwhelmed and impressed, not as friendly or bubbly as before. A fighter under 20 years old who had defeated Ye Youting was unattainable.
Lou Cheng felt grateful for her support in the past and gave her a genuine smile. "I aroused all my potential strength yesterday and got exhausted. I can't handle it anymore and need an early retirement.
"Ohh… I see… " Ning Ling's eyes were filled with sudden understanding as if the biggest puzzle on her mind had just been solved. She guided Lou Cheng to the man in charge of the tournament.
"Early retirement?" The man in charge was calm, as if he had seen this coming.
Lou Cheng explained again and added, "I would love to give it a try if I could make it… "
The man in charge smiled. "I kind of guessed this after seeing you in the emergency ward yesterday. To go by rules, I will have you checked up. We can't just go with your words, right?"
He called two masters of the Danqi stage, one of which was Sheng, the head of Liu Zunyu's bodyguards. They inspected Lou Cheng briefly and confirmed his health condition.
…
Carrying his bag, Lou Cheng stepped to the exit of the stadium. A sudden feeling of loss and reluctance hit him.
Through this door he had become a real martial artist! The one who entered here had shed his mortal body and changed his bones to become the one who was about to leave.
He turned around to take one last look at the stadium. The matches, cheers, and screams of his name flashed across his mind. He remembered how he again and again went up the flight of stairs of glory.
Yanling, one the most important stops in my life!
Lou Cheng was buried by emotions and sentiments until his taxi arrived.
"Young man, you are leaving early? Why not watch the following matches?" asked the chatty taxi driver casually.
Of good manners, Lou Cheng didn't want to chat but still replied, "Time to go home. It's been several days already. I'll be scolded if I stay longer."
He unlocked his mobile, thinking about what to do. Yan Zheke has martial arts training every morning, not available to chat.
"What a pity! The matches are getting better and better," said the driver excitedly. "Listen. This tournament has a big sleeper Lou Cheng. He defeated Ye Youting from the Yiye Martial Arts School. He might make another surprise and defeat Bai Song today!
"I tell you! I've bet heavily on him! I'll be rich soon!"
… Lou Cheng was stunned. He released his fingers from Contacts and dropped the idea of calling Geezer Shi.
"Sigh… Young friend. What's wrong?" The driver glanced at him.
Lou Cheng chuckled, "I'm not feeling very well… "
The call can wait till the train station.
…
In a tidy bedroom Yan Xiaoling woke up.
She was exhausted last night after going shopping with her best friends and didn't carry out her plan. She decided to do it now!
She searched for the name Lou Cheng. Not many entries were returned and no personal forum. On the website where the Longhu Club's forum was hosted, she clicked Create a New Forum and selected the classification Martial Artists.
"Forum Name: Lou Cheng."
"Type: Personal"
…
A series of information displayed in front of Yan Xiaoling. She read through and smiled.
"Ha! I'm to be his first fan!"
She pressed the blue square:
"Create!"
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Chapter 69: When A Fan First Meet Another
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
The webpage refreshed and in front of Yan Xiaoling displayed an empty forum with Lou Cheng's name hanging in the upper left corner and "Apprentice Moderator Eternal Nightfall. Followed by: 1" at the bottom.
As the creator of the forum, her ID was automatically promoted to Apprentice Moderator. In one week, she would become the moderator officially unless some major problem took place.
"Lou Cheng's very first home on the net. I'll start to decorate it!" Yan Xiaoling cheered quietly. She downloaded a photo of his from the official website of the tournament and turned it into the background picture for the forum header. Then she published several posts in a roll:
(Reception) I'm Lou Cheng's fan!
Match Videos
Life Snapshots
…
She sorted and classified the posts and downloaded all relevant videos, photos, and news from the official site, ready to upload. A thought suddenly came to her head, making her brows frown. "Hang on a minute. This is not gonna be Lou Cheng's only tournament. Stacking his everything in one post will be a nightmare… "
Bearing pain in her heart, she deleted all the posts she just made and started from the beginning in a very responsible and serious manner.
The First Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament Videos
The First Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament Photos
The First Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament News
Everyday Lou Cheng January
…
The content she had gathered from the official website was then added to the posts accordingly. She highlighted each of them and sent backup to the cloud. Sipping on soy milk, perfectly satisfied, she opened the Check In post in an attempt to end her day of work with a reply of herself being the very first fan of Lou Cheng's.
To Yan Xiaoling's surprise, there was already a reply from someone else to the Check In post.
"I am Lou Cheng's first fan!"
"Who is this?" Yan Xiaoling stared at the user ID Brahman with anger as if her own house was visited by a thief.
"I created this forum! I'm Lou Cheng's first fan! I! I! I!" She could feel an ache in her heart as she commented to the reply, blaming herself for taking that sip of soy milk for which she had lost the lead.
Brahman didn't respond, vanished after forestalling Yan Xiaoling.
Debating with herself if she should use her power to delete the annoying reply and pretend to be the first, she accidentally returned to the home page of the forum.
Her lung was filled with anger seeing those new topic posts published by Brahman. "How dare she make these posts to question me!"
"Why are you stealing my new idol's forum!"
"Eternal Nightfall! Come out and explain yourself! Answer for what you have done!"
"I should be the one creating this forum!"
"I'm wronged. I'm sad. I'm depressed… " Yan Xiaoling chanted to herself, trying to calm herself down. She replied by publishing a topic post. "First come, first served. My Lou Cheng is a martial artist from the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament. Who's your new idol?"
"The same Lou Cheng from the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament. I have made him my idol in Round Three, definitely earlier than you!" Brahman stood firm against the new opponent, trying to prove herself to the occasion.
Yan Xiaoling burst into a laugh, all the fury replaced by delight and pride. "Yeah, so? I created this forum after all. Why didn't you get on this earlier?"
No new post for a minute. Yan Xiaoling thought she had upgraded the venom of her bitter tongue, able to pissing someone off in one line.
Brahman's post stopped her being self-content. "What's the big deal that you created this forum? Do you have this photo?"
"Photo? What photo?" Yan Xiaoling clicked on the post and saw a photo extracted from a video, of two guys laughing with each other foolishly. And one of them was Lou Cheng.
"Where did you get this photo?" Yan Xiaoling, in shock, questioned.
Brahman laughed proudly. "You don't know this photo? Only an old-time fan has access to such dark history of Lou Cheng!"
Yan Xiaoling searched on the Internet but couldn't find the source. Tortured by her curiosity, she lowered her tone and softened her attitude towards Brahman. "Fine, you started to follow him before me. I won't delete your reply on the second floor. Could you tell me where you got this photo?"
"That's it? I need to think about it. Should you call me senior or master?" Brahman assumed great air.
Yan Xiaoling replied instantly.
"Father!"
Astonished, Brahman replied, "Where is your pride? Don't you have any shame?"
"Father, I have neither pride nor shame. Just tell me, please!" Yan Xiaoling was pretty pleased with herself for being not phoney.
Brahman wiped off her cold sweat. "Fine. I'll share you the link but you must make me the depute moderator once you become the official moderator."
"Done deal!" Yan Xiaoling clicked on the link, fast forwarded the beginning part and returned to the post to share her feelings with Brahman. "Ha-hah! Didn't know Lou Cheng was this silly. Hmm… This silly boy must be warm and caring!"
"I agree! Also mysterious and charming." Brahman shared her view. "Sigh… Lou Cheng retired from the tournament… When I saw the news, I knew I probably won't hear anything about him until the next university martial arts competition. That's why I wanted to create a forum to commemorate. You got one step ahead of me… "
Yan Xiaoling sent an emoji turning in circle. "I saw the announcement on the official site while gathering information. He fought so fiercely yesterday. Must be exhausted."
The more the two young girls talked about Lou Cheng, the stronger they felt a kinship with each other. In the end, Yan Xiaoling asked, "Do you think Lou Cheng will find this forum and browse in secret?"
"I doubt it. Except for newbies, who would search for their own name on the internet? He probably won't realize he has got his forum until he becomes well known." Brahman, a Grade Seven student tried to sound mature, assuming Eternal Nightfall was even younger.
Yan Xiaoling closed her eyes and let her imagination go wild. "When he finds here, the forum will have gathered many, many fans and I will have posted many, many threads for him, put together many, many information about him, and made it more and more like his home on the internet. How warm and touching!"
"And when he sees our first post, he will be surprised how many years we will have been supporting him." Brahman agreed in a young girl's romantic tone.
A small forum. Two small girls. Much small warmth.
…
Outside the train station, Lou Cheng wiped off his cold sweat and got out of the taxi as fast as he could, heading to the security check.
Uncle, I'm sorry but you are not gonna get rich from this.
After the security, he found a relatively quiet corner and dialed his master's number.
It's time to announce this good news to him!
Master has sharp eyes. He probably has seen my potential and predicted my advance to the group stage. But my victory over Zhou Yuanning and the narrow win over Ye Youting with Jindan's explosive strength, which were both to my surprise, should be beyond his expectation. A place in the top eight should be a good surprise for him.
As the phone rang, Lou Cheng felt proud and very pleased with himself, expecting his master to pick up the call.
Bathing in the sun on the balcony, Geezer Shi was drinking with his eyes narrowed, enjoying the precious warmth and shines of winter.
His mobile vibrated next to him.
Without turning back or looking, he let out a shout.
"Bastard, finally!"
The phone disappeared from the table and reappeared in his palm.
"Bastard! What took you so long to phone me?" Geezer Shi answered with a grin.
Lou Cheng laughed, "I dared not bother you before getting a good result."
Of course I'll wait for everything to settle first.
Dared not call without a good result? Or spent a few days to brace up? Geezer Shi nodded slightly and asked with a sneer, "Now you know how many martial artists are out there and how many of them are of your league. Be honest with me. How many rounds did you make it?"
He took a sip.
"It sounded a bit weird… " Lou Cheng let go of the odd feeling and answered in a proud tone, "The eighth place!"
The retired fighter would rank the last of the round.
Geezer Shi's wine gushed forth, turning into snowflakes.
"What did you say? The eighth place?" His coarse voice was raised to a higher pitch.
Lou Cheng could tell joy in his master's voice. He moved his mobile a little bit away from his ear and chuckled. "I did my best and made it to the top eight. I'm too exhausted to continue. I requested for an early retirement."
I'm proud! I'm happy!
It was not a surprise for Geezer Shi. More like a horror! He wanted to dig out truth but managed to hold back his questions, clinging to his garments and majesty as a master.
"I'll figure it out from someone else… " After a cough he commented, "Not bad. Keep the good work going. I know you've got many questions to ask but you will have to wait until I'm done with my business."
"Yes, master." Filled with joy and pride, Lou Cheng's voice turned bubbly unconsciously.
…
An isolated office in Yanling Martial Arts Stadium.
Gazing at the CEO Liu Zunyu across the desk, bodyguard Sheng asked in a puzzle, "We let Lou Cheng leave like this? He scored an unlikely victory from the last match and retired from this one. It has caused a big problem in the bets. We should at least give him a full check-up. And he has great potential. Why don't we bring him onboard?"
Liu Zunyu's ten fingers crossed and smiled. "Do you know who got him the invitation?"
"Ahh… " Sheng was lost.
Liu Zunyu's private phone suddenly vibrated. He took a glance and quickly picked it up while signaling Sheng out.
"Hello, Master Shi. How could I trouble you to make this phone call in person? Just send someone if there's anything I can be at your service." Liu Zunyu sounded very respectful.
Geezer Shi laughed. "My useless disciple participated in your Challenge Tournament. Of course I should show some care and concern. I was too busy earlier and waited until now. How did he do?"
"Your disciple is one in a million with great potential!" Liu Zunyu started with a genuine compliment. "He knocked out an Amateur Fourth Pin arm boxing master in the first round and defeated an Amateur First Pin opponent in the third. Round Five we gave him a bye. In the final round of the group stage, he beat a former Professional Ninth Pin master and advanced to the top eight after his win over a brilliant Professional Ninth Pin martial artist. I believe he performed one of your secret explosion techniques and exhausted his body in the last match and had to take an early retirement."
Geezer Shi remained silent for a while. "Why did you give him a bye?"
"Well, he's your disciple. We were thinking to take good care of him." Liu Zunyu answered with a grin.
Geezer Shi put on a serious tone. "You should ask the elders of your family how strict and impartial I used to be. A man of iron, I expected no such thing from you! If you really want to show me respect, give him a powerful Professional Ninth Pin opponent!"
Liu Zunyu's attempt to curry favor failed… He had no fear for Geezer Shi as they were not from the same sect. But a friend was always better than a foe. He, slick and sophisticated, immediately apologized sincerely.
"Never mind. It's over now. Send his match videos to my email." Geezer Shi's voice calmed.
Bloody hell! Tied the millstone around my own neck. How to make that bastard learn from his loss!
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Chapter 70: Go Home
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
While waiting for Geezer Shi to return his call, Lou Cheng with his appetite back stuffed himself in a fast restaurant inside the station. He intended to show off to Cai Zongming but his QQ was not online, probably out having a romantic day with his girlfriend. He opened the forum and realized how stunned his online friends felt about his victory over Ye Youting yesterday. "Unparalleled Dragon King" the human database murmured as if in a dream,
"I'm going to dig his background out from someone in Songcheng University… Such a character can't be born from a stone!"
"Pig-Riding Knight" the knowledgeable and informed moderator commented with a tinge of emotion,
"If Lou Cheng had always been this unbelievably powerful, winning every match with ease, I wouldn't be so surprised by his abrupt victory over Ye Youting. Of the same age with his, Peng Leyun is already of Eighth Pin. But… But, except for the fight with Tang Yue, he won all of his previous matched by a very narrow margin and he was so close to being knocked out on several occasions. How could he suddenly become able to defeat Ye Youting? He's no Super Saiyan!"
"Must be drugs… How boring! Although there's no rule against it, the audience wants to see his true physical limit." criticized Outspoken without any doubt, who never liked Lou Cheng.
The young girl Wonton Seller responded carefully, "Might be some secret technique that aroused his potential. Many sects have such things."
"Possible, but would he do that for merely ten grand? The sequela of it can be severe. Ten grand definitely can't fix it," answered A Plumber Eating Mushroom after a thought.
"My idol is young and passionate. He might just fail to suppress his emotion and arouse his potential." Brahman jumped out to defend Lou Cheng.
"Unparalleled Dragon King" seemed recovered from the shock. "That makes sense… Lou Cheng got pissed off by Ye Youting's constant offence and lost his head, performing a forbidden technique despite the possible consequences. Sigh… He was very close to the Professional Ninth Pin certificate. But now… Who knows if he can ever recover from it. What's the point?"
"I bet he's gonna retire tomorrow," said Beautiful World happily. "Ask Little Punch to inform Master Road of Ye Youting's defeat. His loss to Lou Cheng is no big deal. Come back to the forum."
Road to the Arena revealed himself out of nowhere, "I've been lurking… Damn it! Lou Cheng's win over Ye Youting was terrifying. I thought it was my illusion after a night of booze with Little Punch."
"Ha-hah. Master Road, Ye Youting's defeat has made people forget about your loss. Welcome back!" Other users of the forum commented.
With no more forum member in the tournament, not many were still keen on the rest matches. The official announcement of Lou Cheng's early retirement due to inappropriate usage of secret techniques was received by the other top-eight martial artists with pity, gloat or hope for his quick recovery. However, nothing could save the live broadcast post from falling out of attention and sinking to the bottom of the forum.
Lou Cheng thought about it and saved the link of the post as a witness for his participation in the Martial Arts Competitions for the first time.
Top eight from over 800. Literally one of a hundred!
…
Inside Yanling Martial Arts Stadium sat Ye Youting next to Jiang Lan. Watching the match between Li Xiaoyuan and Wang Ye, Ye Youting was still pale but the throbbing layer of green was gone.
"You alright?" asked Jiang Lan between her two sips of nutritional supplements. She just advanced to the top four.
Ye Youting grinned. "I'm feeling pretty weak but nothing serious. I've thought it through. The world is big and strange things happen. One day or another we meet some opponent who can suddenly explode… "
She heaved a sigh before continuing, "However, I still can't let go of it. Sigh… How unlucky! He was such an easy pick. How could he just turn into a monster like that? One day I'll get even with him!"
Jiang Lan thought about it and answered seriously. "You better work harder then. It only took him a few days to transform from immaturity at the beginning of the tournament to agility and calmness. Plus his talents. As long as the sequela of yesterday's explosion is not major, he will reach Professional Ninth Pin by the end of the year and catch up really soon."
The frost on Ye Youting's forearm had convinced her that Lou Cheng didn't perform any secret technique to arouse his potential but underwent a physical mutation which had probably awakened his gifted supernatural ability.
Ye Youting let out a long breath. "Yesterday I could have avoided the defeat. When I had him completely suppressed, I could have used flood stance to exert my max strength and finish him in a few bouts, giving him no time to mutate. Sigh… I just can't quit playing cool and lording over my opponent."
"What can I do with you? You are turning 19 but still childish like always," said Jiang Lan with a sneer.
Ye Youting turned to face Jiang Lan, her eyes filled with apparent interest.
"Sister Lan, didn't you just ask me to work harder? I'm thinking about founding a team to start from the preliminaries and go as far as possible. This will greatly increase our practical combat experience and help digest our gains and new techniques. It might grow into the biggest martial arts group in Yanling one day. Are you in?"
The professional martial arts circle consisted of four levels with the top being the 12 most influential forces including Shangqing Sect, Daxing Temple, and the Longhu Club. Every year the organization ranked the last of the top 12 would degrade to the lower level, indicating its weak status and interests loss to its competitors.
The second level named Carry-over Competition was also composed of 12 forces – mostly regional well-known clubs with martial artists of the Professional Third Pin level or higher in the Danqi stage. Each year the last two teams would degrade to the third level and the champion advance to the highest level. If the organization could maintain its position in the highest level for a year, it became powerful enough to share some interests with other tops forces.
The third level known as the Preparation Competition was made up by 12 teams in the south and another 12 in the north with most martial artists being outstanding fighters in the Danqi stage. Similarly, the last two would fall to the lowest level every year.
The lowest level, the preliminaries, was the entry level of the professional martial arts, open to all by signing up. Divisions would be decided according to the number of teams attending prior to each year's competition scheduling.
If Ye Youting teamed up with Jiang Lan, they actually had a great chance to go far in the preliminaries stage for a decent share of the award money and extra prizes from the government. Such national prizes were also available in the other three levels, encouraging them to grow stronger and become capable of balancing the forces of a long tradition and great influence.
"Sign up for the preliminaries?" Jiang Lan was lost for a second but a smile quickly climbed on her face. "Sounds fun. I'm in for a year."
Ye Youting cheered by waving her fist. "Sister Lan, with your participation, our team will grow stronger and make it really far. One day it might surpass my dad's club! What should we call it? Hmm… I'll recruit more female fighters and we can be Pretty Soldiers Sailor Moon!"
"… I think I'm out…" Jiang Lan looked at her in disgust.
"Ha-hah. It was a joke." Ye Youting chuckled awkwardly.
…
Shortly before the check-in time for Lou Cheng's train, Geezer Shi called back.
"I watched your match videos. Good job. You've fully mastered 24 Blizzard Strikes and converted your talents in meditation, Yin-Yang Stance and Condensation Stance into Listening Skill and mercurial balance, pretty much meeting all targets I sent you to this challenge tournament for," Geezer Shi said in his coarse voice.
God knows it was not the line I prepared for you!
Very proud and pleased with himself, Lou Cheng answered merrily, "Thank you, master, for giving me this opportunity or it would take a lot longer for me to get here."
"It was not supposed to be an opportunity…" Geezer Shi drew in a long breath and continued,
"Your use of 24 Blizzard Strikes is proficient but has also revealed many problems. Your base is weak and style is monotonous. 24 Blizzard Strikes is not an advanced set that covers everything. It's not enough to deal with all situations. I'll teach you a new set when you are back to school. During this winter holiday, practice Big and Small Hand Wrap to give yourself more options in close combat. I'll put together some videos and information and send to your email. You don't need to go very deep. Use it around your Listening Skill and perform once or twice whenever needed.
A new set next term! Lou Cheng was thrilled! He immediately answered, "Yes! Yes!"
Feeling pretty gloomy, Geezer Shi cut to the point. "Your explosion during the fight with Ye Youting – others might not be able to tell but I saw clearly – bore great force of ice. Did you wake up some ice or frost related supernatural ability?"
"Err… You might not believe… But the awakened supernatural ability is flame related… " said Lou Cheng sincerely.
Don't blame me… I also find it hard to believe…
A long silence from the other side of the phone call. He couldn't even hear Geezer Shi breathe.
Almost one minute later, Geezer Shi coughed and sounded exhausted. "Talk more when you are back to school."
I saw the force of ice and you told me the super power of flame… Are you kidding me?
Lou Cheng felt great after the call. Fatigue, running nose and other cold symptoms seemed to have been alleviated. He passed the barrier among a big crowd and boarded the train, looking for his seat while thinking about his talents and supernatural ability.
His Power of Blaze was simply caused by the boomerang. He was pressing Jindan (the Golden Elixir) while exerting the force of ice, resulting in an imbalance between ice and fire to Jindan (the Golden Elixir). It gave out some force of fire which went wild for a while before infusing with his cells and slightly changing his body. The force of ice was added to the Mega Avalanche and injured the opponent. Most part of the force would disappear in room temperature, leaving little impact on Ye Youting. Jindan (the Golden Elixir) was still there, replenishing energy and restoring physical strength for Lou Cheng.
After putting away his bag, Lou Cheng sat down and started to watch travelers outside looking for their carriage and seat. The feeling of going home suddenly became very real.
When he left Songcheng University and stayed in the hotel in Yanling, his heart and mind were fully occupied by Yan Zheke and the Challenge Tournament. He hadn't felt emotional about going home until this moment sitting in the train among many others. The feeling suddenly hit him.
After all I'm an 18 years old young man away from home and parents for over half a year for the very first time.
After all I was born and brought up in Xiushan with 18 years of memories and most of my relatives and friends there.
How could I not miss home?
Whoever away from home always misses home!
Lou Cheng took out his mobile and sent a message to Yan Zheke who was still in martial arts training.
"Heading home!"
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Chapter 71: Where's the Surprise I Wanted?
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
The weather was gloomy and cold. The moment Lou Cheng, who was filled with excitement and joy, stepped out of the station; he could not help but shiver. The difference between the cold dry wind in Yanling and the freezing temperature in Xiushan was that the latter could chill one to the bone. It was the kind of cold that one could not withstand even with the windbreakers on, not to mention that Lou Cheng was currently weak and sick.
"Luckily, I am smart enough to put on extra clothing before alighting." Lou Cheng praised himself. He took out his cell phone and started taking photos of the nostalgic sky and the distant landmark building of Xiushan – the Tower Building. He then sent them to Yan Zheke, grinning and said, "Find them familiar?"
Yan Zheke replied with an amazed emoji. "Kind of miss my home all of a sudden… "
"Then take me as your substitute and I'll enjoy Xiushan on your behalf," said Lou Cheng as he laughed delightfully.
"Bah, what rubbish are you saying? Are you as good-looking as me, Substitute Cheng!" Yan Zheke replied with a "You Know Nothing of Strength" emoji.
Meanwhile, Lou Cheng carried his luggage, declined the offers provided by a group of black cabs, and came to the bus stop, waiting for the arrival of Bus 82 to return home.
Although he had a stack in his backpack, and a few hundred in his wallet, but one must know how to be frugal!
With the initial bonus of five thousand dollars, he was planning to save the remaining money for dating. Now that he had another 10 thousand dollars as a bonus for getting into top eight, an idea struck him. He thought of getting something for his father and mother during the New Year, as a meaningful gift to his parents for the first time, to surprise them!
Bus 82 was crowded. Lou Cheng relied on the Yin-Yang Stance to balance himself well, so it did not matter whether or not he was sitting down, as he probed his head, looked around, hoping to bump into one or two classmates on the way.
Unfortunately, Xiushan was a prefecture-level city and the main city already had hundreds of thousands of people. The total number of classmates he had, from the kindergarten till now, was not more than three hundred. Compared with the former, it was as if a drop in the ocean, unless one specifically visit the areas that were common among these people, else it would be difficult to meet.
The bus rocked and stopped as it arrived at the non-commercial center of the old urban area, where the surrounded buildings became shorter and less colorful. Lou Cheng alighted at the bus stop near the entrance of a small district.
He had lived here for almost ten years, where many buildings had been mottled, leaving the ruthless traces of the years. This was where the enterprise that his father first worked for fell from its glory. During its bankruptcy, it had used every last cent of its own savings and borrowed debt to purchase the property right.
Most of the residents in the small district were his father's former colleagues or workers, and the relationships between the neighbors were fairly good. Lou Cheng greeted the neighbors along the way. Seeing the uncle who he knew since he was a kid, and that aunt helped change his diapers, Lou Cheng could already feel the taste of home without stepping into his house.
Of course, having such neighbors had its con as well, especially those nosy aunts who loved to gather during their free time. When things happened to one household, the news would spread throughout the whole district at a blink of an eye!
When approaching his home at No.8 building, Lou Cheng saw a young man walking out of the doorway from the unit. He smiled and greeted, "Brother Xu"
This young man named Wang Xu, was his kindergarten, primary school, and junior high school classmate, also generally known as his childhood friend. Moreover, their fathers once worked in the same technical department, and at that time, they loved meeting up for chess and bragging sessions. Thus, Lou Cheng's relationship with him was considered very good.
However, during the years when the enterprise was about to bankrupt, many people started to panic and were living in straitened circumstances. Everyone had an arduous time. It was common to see someone from a family had to leave his hometown to work, while the other had to stay to take care of the family and looked after the children. Conflicts in the family that broke out from time to time had also affected the children. Some children had lost their interest in studies and chose to work for money at a young age, while some followed the former youth workers in the old factory and now the current gangsters to become the "bludger". Gradually, organizations with features of the gangsterdom were formed.
Wang Xu was tall and well-built. Since young, he had a passion for martial arts, and under such poor environment, he had slowly embarked upon a crooked path. When he was at junior high school, he, on one hand, tried to butter up the sports teacher to teach him martial arts. On the other hand, he followed the gangsters to collect protection fees and participated in the campus gang fights.
At that time, he was relatively simple. Sometimes, he would even show off to Lou Cheng about who they had fought today, and which gang they were planning on fighting the next day. Based on Lou Cheng's today's insight, he was indeed a potential talent for martial arts, who had the capability of an Amateur Ninth Pin when he was just about 14 or 15 years old.
Just because of having such childhood friend, Lou Cheng could strive under such poor environment in his junior high school, where without any outside interference, without any bullying from gangsters, to concentrate on his studies and be admitted into Xiushan No.1 Middle School. This would allow him to be completely free from such poor environment, and to be a complete stranger with Wang Xu. From then, Lou Cheng was no longer updated with his situation, only through bumping into him from time to time did Lou Cheng know that he did not study in high school, instead he seemed to be doing well as a gangster, though his face had more shallow scars than before.
The scar on Wang Xu's left cheek remained vaguely visible. He kept a neat short hair, wore a long black leather coat which seemed very valuable, and put on a long thick golden chain that gave off a nouveau riche look. There was no tenderness between his eyebrows, nor did he look like an 18 or 19 years old youth.
"Yo, the college student is back." He was quite happy when he saw Lou Cheng and he took out a packet of imported cigarettes with printed English letters from his pocket, "Come, have one. This is good stuff!"
It was under such circumstance did I started picking up smoking and drinking … Lou Cheng thought. He waved his hand and replied, "I've quit smoking."
A look of unhappiness crossed Wang Xu's face and his attitude turned indifferent. He lighted his own cigarette and said, "College students are just not the same."
Honestly, though they had a relationship in the past, Lou Cheng was still somewhat afraid of him, but now, after his experience from Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament, he could now face Wang Xu without any fear. Lou Cheng looked directly into Wang Xu's eyes and asked with a gentle laugh, "Not only did I quit smoking, I've also quit drinking, but I did not quit barbecue and hot pot. How about a supper together when there's time?"
Seeing that Lou Cheng did not deliberately distant from him, instead, was being frank and generous, the displeased feeling within Wang Xu disappeared. He returned to his friendly attitude, laughed and replied, "Great! Let's see when I have time, we shall go for some barbecue. Cheng, how can you quit smoking and drinking? What's the point of living without these? "
Lou Cheng responded with a grin, "I've joined the Martial Arts Club in college and I intend to keep myself fit. As you know, one needs to quit smoking and drinking to practice martial arts."
Upon hearing, Wang Xu laughed and said, "You actually went for martial arts practice? Wait till I am free, I'll teach you a few stunts. I guaranteed that your martial arts skills will improve tremendously during this winter break! "
I don't believe … As if you can train me to instantly become Professional Ninth Pin? Maybe you can't even defeat me… Lou Cheng mocked silently. Without saying much, he pointed upstairs and added, "I am going home first to see my father and mother, talk to you later."
"Sure, I'll bring a bottle of wine to your house later. It has been a long time since I last played chess with Uncle Lou." Wang Xu's home and Lou Cheng's home were in the same building same unit, just that the former is on the second floor, while the latter is on the fifth floor. Ever since Wang Xu graduated from junior high school, it is common for him not to return home for a week.
Lou Cheng replied with a cluck. "Your chess skill still on par? I've long neglected it. "
Both their fathers loved to play chess, considering that both were influenced since young. It was an ability passed down from their ancestors.
Wang Xu initially smiled, followed by a sigh and said, "You know my father, his temper is as stubborn as a donkey. He was very displeased with me becoming a gangster, but you can't get out once you set foot in such path. Sigh, it is only during chess game that he gives me a better attitude and speak with me."
The way he spoke made him sound old.
After some small talk, Lou Cheng entered the unit door and marched up the stairway with a sense of nostalgia, towards his home on the fifth floor. This small district was built a decade ago when apartments with elevator were not yet popular at Xiushan, hence the highest apartment here was only six floor high.
Lou Cheng's face broke into a smile upon seeing their blue-grey security door. He took out the keys. It was now past five and he was certain that his mother was at home preparing for dinner.
He had not told his mother in advance that he will be home today, in hope to give them a surprise!
Dang dang dang dang! The background music sounded in his heart as he twisted the key and opened the door. He shouted,
"Mom, I am home!"
His voice echoed. The house remained silent. Lou Cheng stared blankly, put on the slippers and walked into the kitchen. There was no one, neither was there any trace of cooking.
F*uck, where's everyone? Lou Cheng took out his phone and called his mother.
Where's the surprise I wanted?
The line got connected. Lou Cheng's mother familiar voice came through the phone, "Cheng, when are you coming home? All other kids are already on holiday break! "
"Mother, I am at home right now, where are all of you?" Lou Cheng asked, slightly sluggish.
"Why didn't you say you were coming home?" Lou Cheng's mother replied, raising her tone.
Lou Cheng twitched the corner of his mouth and commented. "I was thinking of surprising the both of you."
"Surprise your head! This is more like a shock! There's a relative getting married, so your father and I am at Ningshui County attending the wedding. We're not coming back tonight, you'll settle on your own." Lou Cheng's mom scolded, with a humorous tone.
Ningshui County was a county below Xiushan.
"I came all the way home, and this is what I get?" Lou Cheng replied, not knowing whether he should cry or laugh at such situation.
Lou Cheng's mother chortled and said, "Why didn't you say in advance, else I would have let your dad come here by himself. Are you feeling surprised now?"
"Yeah, totally… " Lou Cheng was speechless.
After hanging up the phone, he looked around the empty house and sighed. I am indeed her biological son, still need to settle my own meals.
Returning to his own room covered with the posters of Dragon King and other fighters, Lou Cheng placed his luggage, took out his phone, and messaged Yan Zheke, "Poor me! Everyone has gone to attend a wedding and no one is home to welcome me or cook for me! "
Yan Zheke quickly replied with a photo of a round table filled with great dishes. There were layers of dishes stacked up, which added up to about twenty different dishes. "This is my dinner tonight for you to satisfy your craving. No need to thank me!"
"Look into my eyes… " Lou Cheng sent an aggrieved emoji and added, "stay-at-home child has been brutally abandoned!"
While chatting with Yan Zheke, he began to think about his dinner and thought of gathering some friends out for a meal. He was now rich anyway!
Firstly, he left a message for Cai Zongming with a grin. "Talker, I have a secret for you."
Now my secret of achieving the top eight in the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament can finally overtake yours!
Next, he chatted with Chiang Fei on QQ. "Fatty Jiang, are you free? I am back to Xiushan, let's meet for dinner."
If Fatty Jiang is not free, I'll contact the next one then.
"Yo, you're finally willing to come back. I thought you are having such a good time that you have forgotten to come home. Where are we eating?" Jiang Fei replied with no hesitation. This is friendship!
Lou Cheng gave a thought. "Old Liu Barbecue," he replied.
Then I can send a picture to Yan Zheke and let her crave for it!
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"Sure, wait for me, I'll come over to pick you." Jiang Fei replied with "laughter".
Lou Cheng went blank and then asked, "Pick me?"
"Hoho, you'll know later. Ask Old Cheng as well, see if he can join?" added Fatty Jiang as he mentioned another pal, Cheng Qili.
Lou Cheng replied him with a despised emoji, "I will call him out to beat him into a pulp, even if you didn't say!"
After saying, he started a conversation with Cheng Qili, whose nickname was "I Love Advanced Mathematics" on QQ, "Are you there, Old Cheng? I am back!"
Lou Cheng waited for a few minutes and saw no response. He then simply dialed Cheng Qili's mobile number, which was issued in other province. He was not sure if the number had changed.
The "Divine wind" ringtone sounded for a while, then came a familiar yet husky voice from the other end of the phone.
"Cheng?"
"What's up, Old Cheng? Are you ill?" Lou Cheng asked with concern.
Cheng Qili chuckled and said, "No worries. Some relatives came over today and insisted that I should drink because I am an adult, considering that I am in college now. Hence, they poured me several glasses of alcohol. I ended up getting drunk and I've slept the whole afternoon. I am not even sure when I could wake up if not for your call. Eh, your voice don't seem quite right either, Cheng. It's kind of nasal. Catching a cold?"
"Yeah, but almost recovering. I am back to Xiushan, so I intend to ask Fatty Jiang out for barbecue, you joining?" Around Cheng Qili, Lou Cheng need not be formal and polite, so he asked him directly.
Cheng Qili sighed and replied, "Can't get out, there's a relative gathering at home, seriously damn busy during New Year. Guess I'll find you either tomorrow or the day after?"
"Sure, let's discuss by then." Lou Cheng hung up the phone, responded to Yan Zheke's message, and swiftly tidied up the luggage. He sorted his unwashed clothing into two separate baskets and placed his laptop on the desk in his room.
By now, the sky had darkened and it looked like the night had fallen despite the clock had yet struck six. The lights in the house created a cozy and bright environment. Lou Cheng glanced around the house and felt a slight sense of unfamiliarity in a place where he had slept for almost ten years.
On his left side was a one meter long and a half meter wide bed, with a brand new four-piece bed sheet fitted on it. He guessed that it was his mother's work while counting the days, which saved him a lot of efforts. On his right-hand side were a bookcase and a wardrobe. The former was shelved with all kinds of martial arts magazines, novels, comics, as well as body refining secret books such as "Shushan Twelve Chapter Brocade" and "Tai Chi Stance Skill" which he had purchased when he was still naive. He was hoping to master them through self-taught and to shock the whole school as a No. 1 Expert in martial arts. Unfortunately, though the contents were real, because there was no guidance, and no time for commitment, thus they ultimately did not have any effect on him.
The desk was placed between the bed and the bookcase. On it, there was desk lamp, hanging calendar, pen holder and a piggy coin bank. The desk drawers on both sides were locked with his school yearbooks, as well as photographs that were taken with his primary school, junior high school and high school classmates. He once thought that it was quite a pity that there was no group photos taken at that time due to a large number of classes. If not, he could have kept a photo with Yan Zheke in it. Well, it did not matter now. A man should always seek for a higher goal!
Right after the clean-up, which had helped in reducing the slight sense of unfamiliarity around him, Jiang Fei sent a message on QQ. "Come down, Cheng. I am at the entrance of your district."
"Okay," replied Lou Cheng. He took his wallet and thought for a moment before pulling out seven to eight pieces of notes from the 10-thousand-dollar stack that was hidden deep within the drawer. He rushed out of the door excitedly and came to the district entrance.
He glanced left and right, trying to look for Fatty Jiang, but he saw no familiar face on the chilly road.
Honk! Honk! A car horn suddenly sounded. Lou Cheng subconsciously looked in the direction of the sound and saw a white Ford car park at the district entrance with its window rolling down.
"Cheng!" A deep yet slightly pleased voice came from the inner of the car. It was Jiang Fei.
Lou Cheng chortled as he walked over and opened the car door near the co-driver seat. "Not bad, you can even drive now!" he remarked.
It was only now he recognized that the car belonged to Fatty Jiang's father, which was neither expensive nor cheap. It was just like the situation in his family, which was worse off than some yet better off than many.
Jiang Fei was wearing a dark blue down jacket, with a black high-necked sweater inside, which was revealed as he stretched his chest. His round face grew bigger than the last time when he saw him at the end of August, with three layers of fat under his chin. His bulging belly made him looked as if he was five or six months pregnant. He grinned and replied. "Though I didn't manage to get a girlfriend this semester, I managed to get my driving license. Our school allows us to use it as credits to exempt ourselves from an elective module."
"Tsk, indeed, you can't judge a book by its cover. I thought you would shut yourself in the room for the whole semester playing games." Lou Cheng sat down, shut the door, and fastened his seat belt. Comparing to the chilly weather outside, the inner of the car was heaven.
Jiang Fei released the handbrake, shifted the gear lever and said joyfully, "Nowadays, knowing how to drive is a basic skill. It will consume too much time to take the exam after graduation from college. You should take it now if you have time."
"Provided I have the time… " said Lou Cheng as he thought of his daily training.
He took out his phone and sent Yan Zheke a snickering emoji, "Off I go, together with my classmate Fatty Jiang to Old Liu Barbecue!"
Yan Zheke replied with an "I will murder you with my eyes" emoji and added, "Seems like someone is getting more and more fearless that he even dare to provoke me now. Though you mentioned that you will never forget to repay me with your gratitude?"
"My mistake, Coach Yan! I beg for your forgiveness!" Lou Cheng replied with his face filled with happiness.
Jiang Fei took a glance at him and looked in front. While driving, he laughed and asked, "Who are you chatting with, Cheng? Look at that filthy smile on your face, is that your girlfriend? You never mention before!"
"Not yet, still working hard on it." Lou Cheng did not conceal.
Jiang Fei gasped with admiration and said, "Not bad! I never thought that you will take the initiative to pursue someone. Indeed, still waters run deep. Perhaps you will be the first to get attached among the group of us. Is that girl your schoolmate at Songcheng University?"
"Yup." Lou Cheng answered with a nod.
Not only that, she was also my high school schoolmate…
"Sigh, Songcheng University indeed has a balance in the quantity of men and women, unlike ours. Oh yes, do you know that Yan Zheke is also in Songcheng University, Cheng?" Jiang Fei suddenly added.
Lou Cheng went blank, then replied, "Yes, I know, we've met."
And we are also meeting each other every day…
"I despise you. How could you not mention it to me at all?" Jiang Fei commented as he focused on his driving, eyes looking at the road ahead.
Without waiting for Lou Cheng's reply, he added, "Recall that time when class began after the freshman year military training? Many guys were spreading the news that there was a great beauty, who was prettier than a celebrity, in Class 3. We had even made a detour to the toilet near Class 3 just to take a peep. After that, we often discussed her private. Every time during the mass martial arts training, we will always think of means and ways to get closer to Class 3 students, and from time to time pretending to pass by Class 3 entrance… "
"At that time, we really did not think of pursuing anything, but simply felt delightful just by looking at her. Why, this is probably my best memory about girls in junior high school, O my youth!"
Lou Cheng listened and remembered those times with emotions. That young, pure and unrequited love.
"There were many people pretending to walk pass that time and very often, we would meet familiar faces, whereas the boys at Class 3 just blatantly made fun of us," said Lou Cheng as he recalled.
At the same time, both his hands were busily typing on the phone keyboard, sending a message to the direct party, Yan Zheke, "Recalling high school memories with Fatty Jiang now. You still remember last time people often walked pass to take a peep at you during our freshman year at high school?"
Jiang Fei sighed, shook his head and laughed. "Now come to think of it, we were pretty silly. We don't even know if Yan Zheke noticed it in the first place, and how she viewed us?"
Beep, Yan Zheke replied Lou Cheng with a "Messy in the wind" emoji and added, "Yeah, I do… I felt as if I was a panda in the zoo, being consecutively visited by visitors, so I had to bend over the desk and pretended to sleep. Haha, were you one of those 'visitors'?"
"Well, I doubt she'll remember passers-by like us." Lou Cheng shattered Fatty Jiang's fantasy with a factual description, then grinned and replied Yan Zheke, "Yeah, pretended to walk pass for several times! Unfortunately, I was just one of the passers-by at that time, you most probably won't remember."
Yet another ambiguous flirting sentence.
Yan Zheke sent an evil grin emoji without any elaboration.
By this time, they had arrived at the nearby Old Liu Barbecue. Jiang Fei, who seemed unfamiliar with parking, took quite a while and some efforts before the car was finally parked. As he was stopping the engine and locking the car, he said to Lou Cheng,
"You are right, how would she remember passers-by like us? Not only was she prettier than a celebrity, her studies were extremely good as well, and it was also said that she had a great character. I bet if all her pursuers were to each spit at us, we would probably drown in their saliva. But I guess a person like her will definitely has a high standard. Since there are still no rumors about her relationship, I suppose she's the kind that focus on her studies. Eh, why do you think she will go for Songcheng University? Isn't going to Capital or Huahai a better choice?"
Lou Cheng gave a serious thought before answering, "Might be due to family reason."
"Haha, stop wild guessing, I doubt it's accurate. Wait till I find out from Du Liyu, since Song Li and Yan Zheke are good friends." Jiang Fei mocked at his reply.
Nowadays, no one believes you even if you are stating the truth… Lou Cheng looked into the sky without saying a word, a sense of unknown satisfaction filled his heart.
Meanwhile, both of them entered Old Liu Barbecue. The shop had just opened, operating only in the evening and at night.
"Twenty pork belly skewers, twenty steak skewers, twenty pork ribs skewers, twenty chicken feet soft bone skewers, twenty mutton skewers, twenty chicken butt skewers, ten chicken wings skewers, ten kidney skewers, ten potato skewers, ten green beans skewers, a portion of leek, a grilled fish and four roasted eggplants." Lou Cheng was very familiar with the dishes that he could just order them without even taking a look at the menu.
As Xiushan was situated inland, the barbecue shops generally did not serve seafood.
Jiang Fei was shocked and exclaimed, "So much? You better finish them all!"
In the past, they had ordered only a third of the current amount for two people – even if the share per skewer in Xiushan was much smaller than the one in the Northern region, it was also pretty terrifying to order this much.
"Maybe we'll order much more later. I am now practicing martial arts, so I have a bigger appetite." Lou Cheng chuckled and replied.
Under the light in the shop, Jiang Fei looked skeptically at Lou Cheng, "Martial arts? Then again, Cheng, you looked slightly mature now."
"This is temperament." Lou Cheng replied in a joking tone, "What do you want to drink?"
"Beer, of course! Let's have a few glasses. I'll get someone to drive us later," replied Jiang Fei as he turned to young waitress at the side, still considering the number of bottles he should order.
Lou Cheng waved his hand, smiled and said, "I've already quit drinking for the sake of martial arts. Moreover, I am having a cold now, so a bottle of mineral water will do."
It is foreseeable that he would need to repeat this sentence for numerous times, but since he chose to practice martial arts, he should preserve on. Neither can he slack down nor fear to reject such offer.
Jiang Fei stared at him with a puzzled look and asked, "Seriously?"
Lou Cheng nodded and responded seriously, "Why should I lie to you?"
The tone in his voice expressed his determination.
"Well then… since no one is accompanying me to drink and I still need to drive, forget it, give me herbal tea." Jiang Fei rubbed his hand and did not push further. "Oh yes, Cheng, since you are practicing martial arts, do you know of any local martial arts club or gym?"
"Nope, why?" Lou Cheng asked, looking puzzled.
A forced smile crossed Jiang Fei's face as he replied, "I f*ucking put on weight again, so I thought of losing weight through exercise, else I am going get even fatter after the New Year. At least I thought I should maintain my weight, but New Year is around the corner, both club and gym are closed for the break. I can't even find one."
Lou Cheng smiled and commented. "This kind of thing is dependent on your consciousness and determination, uh, if you really want to lose weight, you could join me for my daily morning practice. I am now determined to practise martial arts every day."
Jiang Fei took a breath and said, "It's unbelievable that you are so hardworking, Cheng! Isn't there a quote saying that 'the old having the same ambition and passion as a youth'?"
The young waitress returned with herbal tea and a bottle of mineral water, opened each of them and poured them into two separate cups, filling them to the brim.
"Are you sure you know how to use poetry quotes… " Lou Cheng shot a glance at him, and added, "So are you joining?"
Jiang Fei pondered for a moment before answering, "Okay, I'll try, what time in the morning?"
He raised his cup and gulped his herbal tea.
"I'll meet you at a later time. I'll run to your house and wake you up at 6.10 a.m." Lou Cheng thought for a while before replying.
Pfft! Jiang Fei spurted the herbal tea from his mouth and Lou Cheng, being sharp and agile, immediately raised his arm to block it, which almost hit his face.
"6.10a.m.? 6.10a.m. on a winter day?" Jiang Fei wiped his mouth as he spoke.
Lou Cheng shot a despised look at him and said, "This is the time to test your will for losing weight, so if you've promised me yet don't get up, I might break your house windows. Hoho, I've been waiting for that moment for a long time, so is my slingshot!"
"Let's try it first for two days." Jiang Fei promised, with hesitation.
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Chapter 73: The King in the Barbeque Business
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Nights were cold in winter, the famous Old Liu Barbeque, located in a dilapidated and quiet alley, still got frequent customers. Just three allies away from here was the well-known Bar Street in Xiucheng. With bawdy music and dazzling lights, the street presented a completely different atmosphere.
When Lou Cheng was a junior in high school, sitting in front of him was a dandy, who had quitted the college entrance examination. He bragged about being a pimp there. However, Lou Cheng only came this neighborhood for barbeque and never went to one of the bars, as he thought the poor security around discos and bars would certainly get people in trouble.
Listening to the music in the air and smelling the pleasant smokiness of the grilled food, Lou Cheng was starving, as if a hand was about to reach out from his throat. Drinking mineral water only made him hungrier.
"Fatty Jiang, have you set a date for our get-together?" Lou Cheng tried to shift his attention back to their chat.
After gulping down a cup of herbal tea, Jiang Fei wiped his mouth and said, "Too sweet. Same drinks in Guangnan taste differently. Eh, our gathering is on the day after tomorrow, at Spring Scenery Field Conference Villa. You can climb Xiushan and then take Nine Curves to get there."
"Spring Scenery Field Conference Villa?How fancy!" Lou was quite shocked upon hearing this gathering place.
Jiang Fei smiled at him. "Are you confused again? The price of this villa is slightly higher than that of the agritainment, as there are fewer gatherings before the New Year. 200 yuan for each is enough. We can play ping-pong, badminton, tennis, and basketball or go to the free karaoke. Mahjong room and chess-poker room are also available. If the above events are not your cup of tea, you can climb the mountain for exercise and enjoy the fresh air. You can even get a room as long as you are happy. Ah-ha, there is a spa hotel nearby. With some extra money, you can also enjoy the hot spring."
"None of these events attracts me. I'd rather chat with my old pals, recalling memories of the awkward and sharing some college experiences," Lou Cheng grabbed some tissues to wipe his noses and said.
"Pooh! Stop pretending, I recall you being a big fan for karaoke. Somebody has been a mic hog several times that summer after college entrance examination." Jiang Fei ruthlessly exposed his lie.
Lou Cheng laughed embarrassedly and soon changed the subject. "How many classmates will show up?"
"All promise to come except a few who are not in Xiushan. Ha, I can't wait to find out whether those couples back then have broken up or not, and how many singles have found their dates," Jiang Fei said with excitement, obviously ignoring himself being a single for 18 years.
The amicable Fatty Jiang could take a joke easily, so Lou Cheng loved to hang out with him and dared to speak freely.
However, Fatty Jiang looked suspicious when he was absorbed in detective fictions. Lou Cheng used to take him as a cold-blooded killer, distorted by his hidden anger. Being generous or open-minded was just his mask. However, by checking his mental state on purpose, Lou Cheng found that he was merely an easy-going boy who let go of the anger quickly.
Lou Cheng cleared his throat and said, "How many teachers do you invite?"
"Just Old Wu and Mr. Xin. Other teachers are either unavailable or unwelcomed. For instance, Old Li." Jiang Fei answered with a smile.
Old Li was the math teacher whom Lou Cheng and Yan Zheke had been complaining about. As the director of academic affairs office, Old Li terrified all the students. Both Old Wu and Mr. Xin had been their head teachers, one taught Chinese while the other taught chemistry.
"Ha, Old Wu is a fan of martial arts. He talked about martial arts with us every time he patrolled in class." Lou Cheng looked forward to seeing his head teacher in senior year.
At this moment, waitress brought them easily-toasted skewers that were dressed with chopped scallions.
Despite his craving for food, Lou Cheng took a photo first by his cell phone. Instead of sending it to Yan Zheke immediately, he waited for the right moment and showed to her in batches.
"Done?" Fatty Jiang asked with a smile.
"All done. Let's eat." Lou Cheng freely grabbed a streaky skewer.
Meat used in Old Liu Barbeque was seasoned beforehand in secret recipe for the best flavor. So tasty was the meat that Lou Cheng finished one skewer with two or three bites. Later, tastes left in mouth made him crave for more, especially in this middle night.
His favorite were skewers with a little fat. The fat was roasted to make the meat more gravy, but not greasy. With the sizzling oil and the delicious aroma, he could wolf down one after one without a stop.
After appeasing his hunger by eating a dozen or so, Lou Cheng finally started to talk. He had a great chat with Jiang Fei over fun stuff and gossips during high school and college.
When they finished their first round, the second round came in time, which required longer cooking time, like chicken wings, wing tips, and ribs. The specialty of Old Liu Barbeque was grilled eggplant already placed in two baking trays.
Eggplant grilled by Old Liu tasted differently, and there was a world of difference between Old Liu's eggplant and grilled eggplant in Songcheng and Yanling. Instead of using mashed garlic as seasonings, Old Liu fried his special dressings and crisp peas in hot oil over high heat. Then this special-made sauce was poured on grilled eggplant to let the flavor permeate. In doing so, grilled eggplant tasted like fish, but retained their own flavor. Everybody loved Old Liu's eggplant and seemed incapable of getting over this delish snack.
In Lou Cheng's heart, grilled eggplant was the king in the barbeque business, which he preferred more than meat. Even Yan Zheke, who was currently in the southern region, missed this delicious dish.
Meanwhile, people who enjoyed a daily tipple couldn't get enough of the crisp peas in dressings.
When this specialty was served, Lou Cheng adjusted the color balance of his cell and soon took a photo, which looked quite appetizing. Along with a number of photos taken before, he sent all to Yan Zheke at once.
"I am so satisfied." Lou Cheng sent the message to show off.
Yan Zheke immediately sent a throwing-dog emoji and said,
"Our friendship has ended like this dead dog!"
Lou Cheng curved his lip, revealed a smile, and quickly typed a reply.
Jiang Fei picked up some eggplant and put them into his mouth. Then he looked at Lou Cheng with a mischievous smile and said, "Cheng, look at you! You are picking up a hot chick. Once you get the girl, introduce to us. I wanna know who she is that makes you so into her."
Actually, you knew her and we have talked about her just now… Lou Cheng secretly teased. He put down his cell while dipping some eggplant into the gravy and said, "Sure, if I can make it happen."
When grilled eggplant was brought to mouth by chopsticks, Lou Cheng was deeply touched by this flavor he had been longing for, meanwhile his chopsticks moved faster.
Jiang Fei picked up a cup of herbal tea and said with a smile, "Wish you a great success. If I have my dream girl one day, I might consult with you. Ah, right, does my sister-in-law have any besties, I get dibs on them. Don't forget!"
Sister-in-law, good call! Lou Cheng gave a silent praise and started to tease him after a pause,
"You have to lose weight first… "
Jiang Fei rolled his eyes so as to give him a supercilious look meanwhile asked for more details like a paparazzi. "How do you meet? Is the girl your classmate from college?"
"Nope, we met in Songcheng University Martial Arts Club." Lou Cheng told no lies, yet not being entirely truthful.
It was actually you who took me to Class Three to check out beauties where I met Yan Zheke for the first time.
Lou Cheng planned not to share any information until he succeeded in dating with Yan Zheke. Otherwise, it would be too awkward since they went to the same high school and shared the same social circle.
More importantly, he believed that Yan Zheke did not like people gossip behind her back…
"Holy crap! That's why you have been arduously practicing your martial arts!" Lou Cheng suddenly came to the realization, as if solving a problem that he dared not ask. "Never judge a book by its cover, now I finally get it. Cheng, I never thought you would go great length just not to be a single!"
They talked and laughed while eating eggplant and wing tips. Finally came their last dish – grilled fish. The fish was baked in a similar way to eggplant. Somehow it tasted no better than eggplant in Lou Cheng's heart.
They ordered more upon finishing the grilled fish. Jiang Fei was astonished at Lou Cheng's appetite and asked worriedly, "Cheng, will I eat so much if I start to exercise? Then how can I lose weight with such a big appetite?"
"Do you see me get fat?" Lou Cheng took out his wallet and asked for their bill.
He felt powerful and energetic again after the meal, as though he was thrown back to life, and his symptoms of coldness were relieved as well.
"Nope." Jiang took a careful look of Lou Cheng.
"Then it is all good. Don't be afraid!" Lou Cheng looked confident.
When Old Liu brought their bill, Jiang Fei also took out his wallet and said, "Eh, Cheng, let me pay the check. I am the one who should treat you with a nice welcome dinner. How could I let you pay?"
"Ha, I recently participated in a martial arts competition and made some extra cash. You don't have to feel sorry for this." Lou Cheng answered with pride.
Jiang Fei looked at him, shocked. "You made some money in a martial arts competition? How long have you been practicing? I see, this competition was exclusive to pupils and you came there to bully them."
"Get lost!" Lou Cheng paid the check with a simple reply. The bill for this meal is less than 500 yuan. Despite each skewer carried less weight than that of other places, and the difference was big, it was still a good deal.
Seeing Lou Cheng being deep-pocketed for real, Jiang Fei just let him take the check. He rubbed his belly and said, "How about going for a walk in this neighborhood? It's good for digestion. Well, living in Xiushan was indeed a bargain. We could never afford so many skewers and grilled fish in Guangnan with over 400 yuan."
Lou Cheng nodded and seriously asked the boss about their opening date after the New Year – Old Liu Barbeque would close for the New Year the day after tomorrow.
Upon hearing the Barbeque reopen on the eighth day of the first lunar month, Lou Cheng looked satisfied with both hands in his pocket. He had already booked a small vacuum machine and a thermal container online, and the delivery date would be after the New Year.
Being rich was awesome!
In this cold windy night, two of them walked in the alley for better digestion and continued to chat over all kinds of stuff. They subconsciously went in the opposite direction to the Bar Street.
When they turned a corner, in front of them was the backstreet with all road lights off. They saw vaguely with weak lights from surrounding households.
"Let's turn back. Who knows what we will encounter in such darkness," Jiang Fei buttoned his down jacket and said.
Lou Cheng was about to respond, suddenly he saw several people appear in front of them. One is running desperately, the other three hold three blazing knives chasing right after him. The sound of steps got noisy in this cold and dark alley.
"Holy crap, the mobs are killing! Let's hide somewhere, don't be dragged into this mess." Jiang Fei was shivering with fear.
Lou Cheng also didn't want to get in trouble, so he drew back with Jiang Fei, standing sideways in darkness. Right at this moment, the one who has been running stepped into to a place where lights shone on his face.
Wang Xu!
It was Wang Xu!
The target of these killers was Wang Xu.
Lou Cheng was of sharp observation and immediately recognized that desperate bleeding man. It was his childhood friend who he had just met before dinner in their community.
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Chapter 74: The Dark Street
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Figures flashed in the darkness and this backstreet reminded people of a movie set. Since Lou Cheng participated in actual combats, he developed a habit of making quick decisions. Once he recognized Wang Xu, he was ready to save him without a second thought.
In other days, he would act exactly like Jiang Fei, timid and jittery. Even the one hounded by mobs was his childhood friend who used to watch his back, he still dared not take another look. He was incapable of handling this situation, and being reckless would only cause more trouble and get his family involved in this mess. At best, he could call the police for them. However, the situation had changed now. With experience gained in the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament, he made a tremendous progress both in martial arts and mental state. Observant and assertive, Lou Cheng had grown to be confident and calm.
How could he stay out of the affair with this power and strength? He was not gonna stand there and watch Wang Xu get killed in front of him.
For a fraction of second, Lou Cheng took down his down jacket and threw it to Jiang Fei.
"Hide yourself!" said Lou Cheng in a quick and low voice.
Jiang Fei was too shocked and frightened to give any responses. Upon seeing Lou Cheng rushing out, he suddenly sensed the danger and was about to stop him. But being in a total mess, Jiang Fei was too afraid to speak out.
"How could Cheng be so reckless? In front of him was three mobs with knives!
What should I do? What should I do?"
When Jiang Fei was at a loss, Lou Cheng carefully made a plan before the confrontation. He checked out his surroundings as well as the landscape to make sure there were no cameras. Although there were dim lights coming from households on both sides of the alley, he successfully hid among the darkness by lowering his weight while approaching in zigzag snake steps.
He was experienced and calm since he had encountered many accidents in the ring. For instance, when he was hung between victory and defeat or when the Jindan (the Golden Elixir) failed to work normally. He had to take the consequence into the consideration if he decided to save Wang Xu. Suppose he was caught by camera or remembered by reporters who came after, especially when he couldn't kill all to keep the secret, then it's very likely to get himself or his family in trouble.
Lou Cheng shifted his weight while moving in a weird snake footwork. With eyes fixed on the three upcoming opponents, Lou Cheng made his way with particular caution. Dispite that he had defeated a Professional Ninth Pin, he never underestimated his enemies.
In the body refining stage, there was an old saying that even a martial expert couldn't take a kitchen knife. In front of him were three mobs with knives, and he was very likely to get hurt since he had just recovered from the boomerang effect of the Jindan (the Golden Elixir), so he had to be careful.
It was no longer a challenge tournament. In the ring, referees might protect fighters from many dangers, such as explosive forces and close attacks, yet accidents still happened. In actual combats, people got hurt or killed by knives or guns for real.
If Lou Cheng stood back, none of these would be his concern. But once involved, he must try his utmost to take one down as soon as possible. In this way, the match would be easier with two versus two on each side.
The Night was dark without any moonlight or starlight, Wang Xu and other three mobs were busy running and failed to notice Lou Cheng was approaching. In the darkest part of the backstreet, Lou Cheng suddenly sped up in less than 10 meters away and came to Wang Xu from his left side in big strides, with eyes fixed on the first mob's knife.
Wang Xu was still running, but he felt a ghost running past him.
Upon seeing Lou Cheng rushing toward him, the first mob dared not take him slightly. He, with a knife in his right hand, grinned and chopped at Lou Cheng ruthlessly.
At this very moment, a flash of lightning struck in his mind, starting a prairie fire in the dark. Lou Cheng transformed a downward hot flow from his spine into a burst of strength,thus pushing his speed to the ultimate level like an arrow. The mob mistakenly measured his speed and the distance. Instantly, Lou Cheng came near the first mob, warding off the attack with both hands rising to engage his knife-holding wrist.
In such a close range, the long knife was no longer helpful.
The minute Lou Cheng engaged mob's wrists; he twisted his waist and tightened leg muscles to lunch a knee kick, which was directly hit at mob's stomach.
"Bang!"
Came a dull noise, the one who got punched glared with a runny nose and watery eyes. As the mob was about to fall on the ground because of exhaustion, Lou caught him with one hand meanwhile broke his machete-holding wrist by twisting another hand.
Just round one, he had already defeated one hatchet man.
Upon seeing what Lou Cheng had done, the other hatchet man nearby shrank his pupils and brandished a knife direct at him. Instead of chasing Wang Xu, the third mob changed his target as well.
In no rush, Lou Cheng straightened his back and pulled strength from hand. By pushing the guy he was holding to the second hatchet man beside him, Lou Cheng successfully got his enemy distracted. Then he slid to the left side and stood ready to hit vital parts.
To save his companions, the third hatchet man slashed at Lou Cheng without hesitation.
All of a sudden, Lou Cheng moved his spine as if a dragon breaking through all kinds of barriers. He abruptly shifted his weight and pulled his body back by adjusting muscles, then with a round footwork, he made his way to the rear side of the third hatchet man in an opposite direction.
With this impressive footwork, people might mistakenly believe the rumor of ghost in this dim alley.
After changing his positions, Lou Cheng lowered his weight into a steady stance. In his mind, snow-covered mountains started to collapse and white streams rolled down formidably. By virtue of this force, he lifted his right arm and violently launched a downward attack.
"Pang!"
Lou Cheng's fists accurately landed at the third mob's shoulder, with a crunching noise, the mob's right shoulder started to collapse. As painful as he cried, he threw the machete and writhed on the ground with his left hand on the right shoulder.
Mighty Mega Avalanche!
Now Lou Cheng had taken down two enemies, and the only one left was freaked out. Without looking at his opponent being tall or short, fat or thin, the third hatchet man gave up saving his buddies and decided to flee the scene while brandishing a machete crazily in the air. Smart guys know all the ins and outs!
Lou Cheng pretended to chase after the mob by making noises of footsteps, which scared the shit out of him. Like a rabbit shot by an arrow, the mob feared to look back and instantly ran to the other side of the backstreet, soon fading into the darkness.
Hearing the scream, Wang Xu stopped, looking shocked and puzzled. He turned back only to find that three mobs who had been after him were either on the ground or flee the scene. The dark alley became silent again.
"Who is that?" Wang Xu asked subconsciously, meanwhile Jiang Fei who had been hidden in a dark corner was also stunned by what he had just seen.
Did he see a superman just now?
No way, how come Cheng became a superman!
The screen of his cell reflected dim light in the darkness as he was about to call the police. But now there was no need for that.
Lou Cheng returned to the place with some lights on. Two hatchet men were still humming on the ground, Lou Cheng checked at them in case of any violent counterattacks. Meanwhile, he signaled Wang Xu to stay quiet.
Wang Xu saw a vague figure walking toward him, bewildered as he was, he forgot all the cuts and pains in his back. Like being in a bizarre dream, Wang Xu thought him was being stabbed and everything was his fantasy before the deathbed.
How is it Cheng?
Lou Cheng was not one of the powerless, yet definitely a good student who dared not and would not fight. Being stronger and braver, Wang Xu always counted Lou Cheng as a nerd.
However, it was exactly Cheng who had taken care of three knife-holding hatchet men between several breaths, let alone these men were of Amateur Sixth or Seventh Pin, highly valued by their boss.
Was that a dream?
I even agreed to teach him a few moves so he could make some progress in martial arts. Wang Xu thought.
The pain soon made him stay conscious, Wang Xu, directed by Lou Cheng's hand gestures, hurried to the other alley.
Lou Cheng ran back to their original spot and dragged the already stunned Jiang Fei out of the alley immediately. The dim backstreet was silent again, with two figures curling up on the ground and groaning painfully.
Lou Cheng met Wang Xu outside two allies, and he instructed Jiang Fei to hide at a distance, as he did not want to get his innocent best buddy in high school involved in this affair.
"Do you have a shelter?" Lou Cheng asked outspokenly.
Wang Xu covered his wounds with clothes inside and said in a trance, "Yep, I can go there to handle my wound."
"Go ahead, I will leave you alone and we will talk about it later," Lou Cheng said in a firm tone, making himself clear that he wanted nothing to do with these mobs or mafias. What happened before was him trying to save a friend.
Wang Xu nodded with a sigh and said, "If I could settle all the problems, I will talk to you soon."
Upon finishing the line, he stepped up his pace and disappeared into the night on the other end of the alley.
Lou Cheng shook his head behind Wang Xu with mixed feelings and left this dangerous place in a hurry. When they were back to the neighborhood where Old Liu Barbeque was located,
Jiang Fei was still badly shaken, peeking at him from time to time in the car.
"I mean, feel free to check on me and stop peaking," Lou Cheng put on his down jacket and said in anger.
"You know the person who got hunted by mobs?" Jiang Fei asked in a gentle and casual way.
"Yep, he is my childhood friend." Lou Cheng kept his reply simple, without giving further information.
Of course, Jiang Fei did not care about his answer and continued to ask with eyes wide open, "Cheng, when did you become a superman? I remembered our last match and I crushed you with my weight."
For physical training, martial arts were taught in PE classes during high school, and they competed with each other for fun.
"Have I already told you that I joined Songcheng University Martial Arts Club and kept my practice every single day?" Lou Cheng had his chin up and said, "Just drive, so we can go home earlier."
Jiang Fei started the car with doubtful mutterings. "I thought you went to the Martial Arts Club for girls, and how long have you been there? A couple of months?"
"When two goals are set, I aim to achieve both," Lou Cheng said causally. He felt rather low because of Wang Xu, and right now he was in no mood to brag about participating the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament or engaging with several Professional Ninth Pin masters.
Before starting the car, Jiang Fei gave another careful look of Lou Cheng in the dim light of the car. His best friend in high school looked tired, with body growing leaner and face being more chiseled from brows to chins. He pinched his lips with an air of calmness and confidence, and his look made people unconsciously follow his arrangements.
"Cheng, you seem to be more mature… " Jiang Fei failed to find the right word to describe how he felt about Lou Cheng currently. He had said this before over their barbeque, and the meaning carried in this line was completely different.
Lou Cheng smiled and said, "Wish you meant well."
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Chapter 75: Two Distinctive Worlds
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
"Of course I mean well." Jiang Fei answered without a hesitation, and his strangeness that came with shock and fear already fading away completely. He turned the steering wheel while clicking his tongue. "You were so different since the last time I met you at the end of August. If you aren't as manshow as ever, I would have thought I met a stranger who looked almost like you!"
"We would be good friends if you could shut your mouth upon finishing your first line." Lou Cheng let out a laughing abuse. Manshow? Cheap mouth? Wuzzat?
Looking straight ahead, Jiang Fei grew more and more excited, "Cheng, how did you pull this off? It hasn't even been six months yet! How did you become so powerful all of a sudden? I saw you take out three knife wielding gangsters in just a few moves just now!"
"I was focused on schoolwork previously, and I didn't realize I had a, er, gift for meditation. Also, Songcheng Martial Arts Club hired a good coach in an attempt to restore its former glory this year. Due to these two advantages, I had made substantial progress in martial arts. However, it's only at the beginning that a tremendous improvement like this would occur. The more I practice, the harder it would be for me to improve." Lou Cheng explained in a way that was easily understood by Jiang Fei.
Jiang Fei was not a diehard martial arts fan, and he had no direct impression on amateur rankings beyond the Professional Martial Arts Competition. That was why Jiang Fei could not determine Lou Cheng's approximate level right now. He knew that Lou Cheng was very strong, but exactly how far the extent of his strength reached. Therefore, he said with a smile, "Oh, I see. I wonder why I never noticed your potential? Brother Lou, Master Cheng, you simply must help me if I get bullied one day!"
"Come on, we are friends aren't we? Just give me the signal and I would bring an army to save you!" Lou Cheng made a joke.
Jiang Fei continued to drive steadily, but his tone had gotten even more excited. "Cheng'zi, tomorrow, can you teach me some moves when we exercise tomorrow morning? Can I be cool for a bit too?"
"Sure, as long as you can calm your heart and handle the stance." Lou Cheng nodded slightly.
The still stance was the true fundamental of martial arts. Then came the moving stance, also known as the so-called routine exercise. The final step would be the moves applied in actual combat, such as 24 Blizzard Strikes.
Jiang Fei excitedly said, "Don't worry, I'm a forgetful guy. I can definitely calm down."
I highly doubt it… Lou Cheng muttered to himself. Fatty Jiang was easily distracted and loves to daydream. None of these met the requirements to achieve the concealment of spirit and qi.
While chatting, the car had arrived at the destination and stopped at the entrance of the neighborhood. Lou Cheng unbuckled his seatbelt and said, "Sleep early, I'd pretend this never happened if you can't get up tomorrow morning."
"Don't worry! It's not like I never woke up this early before and worked hard for success during my last year in high school!" Jiang Fei said proudly and added, "Right, Cheng, your secret is safe with me. Mm, I saw nothing just now."
Lou Cheng let out a laugh and stood outside the car door, looking down on Fatty Jiang,
"Well well, if you haven't reminded me I would have forgotten that you're a big mouth… "
He returned home, and his room was as cold and quiet as ever. Lou Cheng went through his experience of saving a life in his head and confirmed that he missed out on no details. As long as Wang Xu kept quiet about this, there was no way the other party could find him. It was only then he completely settled down. He busied himself for a moment, splitting the laundry to those that needed to be done by hand and those that needed to be thrown into the washing machine. Upon finishing all chores, he logged into his email and checked if master had sent any information or videos on Big or Small Hand Wrap.
"No new emails? Then I will mainly do recovery exercises tomorrow… " lying on the couch, Lou Cheng chatted with Yan Zheke over the phone, waiting for his laundry to finish.
When the time was just over nine p.m., and he was about to hang his laundry, he heard footsteps that had been deliberately lightened coming up from the fourth floor to the fifth floor.
Lou Cheng inclined his ears and naturally entered into the Condensation Stance. He remained calm and arrived at the front door once he confirmed that the person walking over was alone.
When he confirmed that the sound of footsteps had ended in front of his door, Lou Cheng abruptly opened the door in a surprising fashion.
Outside the door was Wang Xu in an army green overcoat. His face was pale and his eyes were full of shock. He looked like he hadn't made up his mind on whether he should knock on Lou Cheng's door.
"Have you treated your wounds already? How's it going?" Lou Cheng signaled him to come inside first.
Wang Xu carefully let himself in and answered while closing the door. "I've found someone to deal with it. It's no big deal. Tonight's mess could be considered settled for now."
He was carrying a bottle of hard liquor made in Ningshui County, which was an exclusive local specialty in Xiushan. Those well-to-do people all enjoyed getting some original-proof spirits from the Ningshui winery, claiming that their spirits were sufficiently mellow, spicy and tasty.
"I knew you have quitted drinking, so this bottle of authentic original-proof spirit here is for me." Wang Xu familiarly opened the cabinet where Lou Cheng's father put his wine cups and took out two wine cups.
Lou Cheng asked in surprise and amusement as he watched him washing the cups and pouring wine for himself, "You're injured, you know. Why you are still drinking?"
"No drink, no talk. Just take it as me using alcohol to disinfect my wounds." Wang Xu sat down and chuckled.
"That's not how you disinfect wounds, okay!" Lou Cheng let out a laughing abuse.
Silence followed after the laughter. It seemed like no one was ready to talk first.
Wang Xu took a sip from his cup and broke this awkward silence with a sigh. "Cheng, I'm not sure how I can thank you for saving me tonight. If it wasn't for you, my parents would have no choice but to pour this bottle of wine before my grave."
"I haven't thanked you too for watching my back in the old times. Now that I have mastered some martial arts, how could I possibly watch you die in front of me?" Lou Cheng said frankly and sincerely.
"Back then… " Lou Cheng let out a soft laugh, "Honestly speaking, I was pretty simple back then. Firstly, I thought about our friendship since childhood, and secondly I did not want to see a kid from our factory get bullied by outsiders."
As memories of the past flashed through his mind, Lou Cheng took a deep breath and took the initiative,
"Brother Xu, you can't go on like this."
Wang Xu looked up and blurted out, "It was that damn Third Jian who started the trouble tonight. He hired a Professional Ninth Pin expert from the provincial capital and surprise attacked our bar. Le almost got killed. We were lucky that Brother Biao and Brother Wei who were bold and fierce enough to keep the expert busy. However, they outnumbered us so we could only escape… These mobs who came chasing after me are machetemen led by Third Jian. Every one of them is an Amateur Sixth Pin or Amateur Seventh Pin. Normally I could handle one of them, but against three I had no option but to run."
"Cheng'zi, I didn't know that you're so powerful now. I can't believe you took them out in just a few moves!"
Lou Cheng shook his head and said, "I only succeeded because it was an ambush, but that's not the point I'm trying to make here. Brother Xu, ignore the fact that my skills are limited, even if I can save you once I can't save you a lifetime. Are you truly planning to walk this path to the end?"
Wang Xu fell quiet upon hearing this, and it took him a while before he finally smiled bitterly and said, "It's not like I don't understand what you're saying. I've seen plenty after hanging around in the underworld for several years. I have seen the most successful bosses white wash their history, and I've also witnessed people with few achievements fighting day after day. Even the best martial arts experts can slip up, and a single mistake could mean replacement by a new face. Some of the members of the first gang I was together with had their hands cut off, and some ended up dead on the commercial street."
"Of course I was terrified by their endings even though I'm just a rash young boy. So, I desperately went to martial arts clubs to train in martial arts while attempting to quit from the gang. I also saved up some money so I could open a small business in the future. But things don't go as you wish once you were in this circle. If my old boss summoned me for a fight, should I go or refuse? What would happen if I said no to him? I could not refuse even if I were to consider this purely from a friendship standpoint."
Even when Lou Cheng was in junior high school, which was also the messiest period of his life, he never came into contact with these affairs. A stifling silence enveloped him after he listened to Wang Xu. After pondering for a moment, he opened his mouth and spoke in a steady tone, "Brother Xu, have you ever thought about getting out of this circle?"
"Getting out?" Wang Xu looked at him in puzzlement.
Lou Cheng said with a level tone, "I went to Songcheng to study, and I've even visited Yanling on my way back home. Both places are almost completely disconnected from Xiushan. The world is big and wonderful, with so many opportunities and potential. Why should you confine yourself to Xiushan? If you find yourself incapable of breaking the bonds you made here, and that the circumstances are out of your control, why don't you give yourself a chance and increase your knowledge and experience? Give it three to five years, and come back when they've almost forgotten about you."
Wang Xu was startled by his words, and it took him a while before he took a sip and said, "Cheng, your student side hasn't completely left you yet… Now I'm just glad I haven't made it to the level of Le's confidant yet. Otherwise, suppose I get involved in some of his affairs and witness several secrets. Do you think I could just walk away as I wish? Moreover, what can I do once I get out? Labor work? I saw a few people in the neighborhood working at other provinces doing poorer than even I am. What's the point of a life like that?"
"Didn't you want to open a small business?" Lou Cheng could guess that Wang Xu's life must have been rather comfortable. According to that hedonistic son at the front table, a hatchetman gangster like Wang Xu would not need not to worry about liquor or cigarettes, women or money. When they walked on the streets, the common people would not even dare to look straight at them.
"I will think about it." Wang Xu looked down and refilled his cup.
Suddenly, Lou Cheng felt a tinge of emotion while looking at him. They had the extremely similar family background, but had led completely different lives because they made a different choice during junior high school.
He had studied hard and got accepted by the No.1 middle school. Later on, he passed his exams and entered Songcheng University. His daily life normally consisted of bright and clean classrooms inside a beautiful and clean school. Students came from all over the country, and they talked about games, movies, novels, teachers, girls, school courses and future careers. While there was pressure, few of them got in touch with the bottom level of society. They were used to living in a world where lights prevailed over darkness, and hope over despair.
Meanwhile, Wang Xu lived a life of debauchery, and fear for his life every time there was a fight. He wasn't sure if he could wake up peacefully every time he drank himself to sleep. He might have good times, but his entire body of life was painted in gray dark colors. If he could not climb up to become a boss and successfully whitewash his history, sooner or later the darkness would swallow him. It was a life where despair prevailed over dawn.
Education could change one's fate, and so could martial arts… Lou Cheng felt certain about this phrase more than ever before. He changed the topic and said, "Brother Xu, you told no one about my involvement, did you?"
Wang Xu took another sip of wine and said, "Don't worry, I know you are a goody two shoes student, and I won't get you in trouble. Le asked me about this earlier, and I covered it up by telling him that I ran into a friend from the martial art club and escaped death because of it. Oh right, how do you practice martial arts? How did you become so impressive all of a sudden?"
"I happen to have a gift that I didn't realize because I wasn't training in martial arts back then. Then, a former physical invulnerability Mighty One became my coach, which is why I was barely able to keep up with the pace of a normal person." Lou Cheng emphasized Geezer Shi's existence on purpose.
After witnessing Wang Xu's 'daily life', Lou Cheng dared not be careless despite being confident about their friendship. He dispelled all of Wang Xu's desires and extravagant hopes by bringing up the reputation of a physical invulnerability Mighty One.
Wang Xu obviously trembled at his words. He forced a smile to his face and said, "No wonder. You have an impressive coach… Cheng'zi, can you teach me a few moves? So I will be more prepared before quitting the gang."
"The foundation of my martial arts is the still stance and meditation. Why don't you try and see if you can achieve concealment of spirit and qi." Lou Cheng walked him through the martial rhyme and outlined a few key points.
Wang Xu knew that all powerful martial arts were built upon a foundation of Solemn Silence. He voiced no questions and listened quietly until the end before saying, "I will practice what you have taught me and come back to you and ask you if I have any questions. I'll leave this bottle of wine for Uncle Lou."
As he watched him leaving the room and closing the door, Lou Cheng let out a sudden sigh. He felt as if they were in two distinctive worlds now.
He had no confidence that Wang Xu could enter into a meditative state at all. How could a person a man who indulged himself in fantasy and luxury possibly enter a meditative state?
Life truly was a pot of all sort of circumstances…
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Chapter 76: The Devilish Lou Cheng
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
After leaving his clothes outside to air, Lou Cheng locked the door from the inside and came back to his room. Lying down on the bed with his head in a spin, he felt an impulse to pour out his feelings.
Lou Cheng took out the cell phone and sent a message to Yan Zheke.
"Something happened after the barbeque… "
Lou Cheng tried to describe in a normal tone his relations with Wang Xu, what he felt when seeing Wang Xu being chased and how his state of mind changed after a serious conversation with him.
Yan Zheke tried not to interrupt Lou Cheng and just asked some brief questions during his account. She started to express her opinion after hearing his complete story. "Cheng, I told you that everyone had their own path to take, and it was not necessarily the education at school or the martial arts… Uh… I said it to you and you managed to defeat the opponent of Professional Ninth Pin in merely four months… Well, I have no face before you now!"
She sent an emoji with one drawing circles in a corner.
Lou Cheng's mood was lightened a little bit by her joke and he chuckled. "I thought you were right and I never expected to reach professional rank so soon."
"Don't interrupt me. Don't you want to listen to me?" Yan ZheKe replied with a vicious emoji.
"Well, you are the interrupter… " Lou Cheng thought. He surely dared not say it out. "Please continue, Coach Yan!" He sent a smirk.
"Everyone has his destiny. We aren't the Almighty God or supernatural being. It's marvelous if one could change his confidants' mind. But for others, you can't make decision for them or force them to change their outlook on life. 'Do your part and leave the rest to God'" Ye Zheke answered without any emoji.
Lou Cheng left a sigh. "I see it, but I still feel powerless and depressed. Good friends we were and distinct worlds we are in. I can do nothing but to watch… "
"Cheng, the overwhelming majority of people are selfish. I'm selfish too. I draw circles with myself as the center to classify people from the intimate to the estranged. In the innermost circle are my parents and close relatives, who are surely more precious to me than my close friends. Friends fall into two categories, the ones for life and the ones for some stage of your life. As for the latter, the relations between you and them are similar to that between two intersecting lines. You converge at some point and then diverge forever because of different philosophies of life, choices, characters, favorable or unfavorable turns in life. Miss rather than meet. Wang Xu is the latter." Yan Zheke sent a long message.
It was the first time that Lou Cheng saw a serious Yan Zheke elaborate on her philosophy. Her impression on him seemed to be more vivid.
"What about your future mate?" He subconsciously asked the question.
Yan Zheke sent a squint. "I won't tell you. Are you listening to me carefully? Hmm!"
"Yes, I am! Please continue, Coach Yan!" Lou Cheng stifled his smile and said.
Lou Cheng's mood mended a lot after cracking gags with Yan Zheke.
"A friend for life treasures something that you also hold dear. It's quite obvious that Wang Xu isn't the one. Are you willing to give up your study and get caught in scuffles of gangs? Are you willing to cause trouble to yourself and your family?" Yan Zheke asked.
"I don't want to be disturbed by him." Lou Cheng thought it over and said.
Yan Zheke sent a nodding emoji.
"As you said, you are in the distinct world now. If he continues to act willfully, the gap between you two will be wider. He is an episode in your life. It's just a matter of time for your friendship to come to an end. You have tried to help him wholeheartedly. What you should do now is to reconcile yourself to the regret for him and let it go."
"My grandparents have many disciples, who become police officers, soldiers, professional warriors, merchants… as well as evildoers in not a few number. 'Warriors break the rules with violence.' My grandpa and grandma were dejected, sleepless and enraged. Yet, they have straightened it out that it's enough for them to do their possible to stop and save them."
"Don't yearn for the acme of perfection but for a clear conscience in your life."
Lou Cheng quietly read the messages, lost in thoughts. After a long pause, he took a deep breath. "Got it. I shouldn't feel any guilt about him. As a freshman, I saved his life and reasoned him out of gangs with sincerity. I have done my possible. It's time to let it go."
"Good! You are worthy to be taught!" Yan Zheke replied a proud emoji pushing up glasses. "You did very well today, saving Wang Xu without causing trouble. I used to dream of my deeds of heroism after my reaching high martial arts attainments. Yet I worried that I would break the rules with violence and ran into the following trouble. You gave me vivid instruction in how I could put my dream into practice."
Lou Cheng felt a little bit proud and pleased. He sent an evil smile. " Thanks to Coach Yan's instructions! You teach by 'Yan'[1] and deed. You are teacher 'Yan'[2] and bring up outstanding student."
"Poof! You are increasingly proficient in Chinese!" Yan Zheke sent a stunned dog emoji.
The funny chatting put Lou Cheng in a good mood. The characteristic smile unknowingly crawled on his face. They talked happily until 10 p.m. when Lou Cheng reluctantly stopped to take a shower and go to bed on time.
As Lou Cheng came back to the bed, he found that Cai Zongming had finally got home, logged in QQ and replied his messages.
"A secret? You are not a girl. I have no interest in your secret, unless it's your dark past." Cai Zongming sent a devilish emoji with a waving forefinger, indicating a 'no'.
Lou Cheng replied Yan Zheke first. He did not care about whether Cai Zongming had interest or not. "I went to Yanling on my way home and participated in the Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament. You can guess my rank of position."
"Holy crap! You went far this time! How stupid you are that you told me the name of the tournament and asked me to guess your rank. I'll know everything with a click on Google." Cai Zongming sat at his computer desk with fingers typing on the keyboard, making fun of Lou Cheng out of habit.
Lou Cheng sneered loud and murmured to himself. "That's what I want. I know you so well."
My rank that you find on the Internet will surely be much more shocking than that I tell you.
Cai Zongming opened the browser, clicked into the official website and directly started to read the news.
"The final: Jiang Lan VS Wang Ye? The Professional Eighth Pin VS the Professional Ninth Pin?"
"The third-place match: Huang Zhenzhong VS Bai Song? The Professional Eighth Pin VS the Professional Ninth Pin… "
Lou Cheng shook at the mouth when reading the news. He immediately sent a message to Lou Cheng.
"Damn! You fooled a wise man! There's no way I can find a rookie's position in a ranking of names of such a high-level tournament!"
"Haha, scroll further!" Lou Cheng did not say more, expecting Little Ming to find it by himself.
Cai Zongming stared at the screen with suspicion and flicked through the pages. Suddenly, he found a piece of news.
"'No. 656' Lou Cheng quit the quarter-final on account of physical exhaustion."
"The quarter-final?" He clicked on the news, suspecting it was a fighter with the same name with Lou Cheng.
"No rank… an undergraduate of the Songcheng University… defeated the fighter of the Professional Ninth Pin… " After a while, Cai Zongming read the last phrase out and called Lou Cheng with no hesitation.
"Cheng, you asked someone to make the fake website for you?" Cai Zongming blurted out once the phone was connected.
Lou Cheng proudly smiled. "Holy shit! You aren't Yan Zheke. Do you think I would bother to make a fake website to cheat you? I think your IQ doesn't deserve the high-end trick."
"It's not very long since you defeated your Brother Wu of the Martial Arts Club by your specialty of long distance running… You have jumped from the Amateur Ninth Pin to the Professional Ninth Pin?" Cai Zongming said with astonishment.
Lou Cheng tried to explain in an easy tone. "Not very long? Three months, OK? I've learned 24 Blizzard Strikes, built up my strength and speed, improved my coordination, as well as done many pair exercises and watched plenty of matches of the Martial Arts Club. The first a few of opponents were relatively weak. I achieved mastery of the 24 Blizzard Strikes, the Listening Skill and the Mercurial Balance through the combats with them. I lucked out and got into top eight."
Cai Zongming remained silent for a while before responding to Lou Cheng's story. "…Cheng, are you showing off?"
"Yes, I am!" Lou Cheng laughed. "Wanna beat me? Can you beat me?"
"Damn… " Cai Zongming found him brusque but amusing. "Never meet people so devilish like you Lou Cheng! Wait and see. I'm gonna join the special training of the Martial Arts Club next semester. With my talent and Geezer Shi's instruction, I'll catch up with you in no time. You show-off!"
Perfectly satisfied with Cai Zongming's response, Lou Cheng got ready to go to sleep. Before hanging up the phone, he said,
"You can find my fight videos on the official website. Watch them with reverence!"
Before Cai Zongming replied to his arrogant words, Lou Cheng hung up the phone and went to say good night to Yan Zheke on QQ.
Yan Zheke got to know Lou Cheng's training at 5:30 a.m. everyday in their chatting during the Tournament. She felt admiration for him and recognized his rapid progress.
After a moment of blankness with the phone in hand, Cai Zongming found the videos and started to watch.
His mouth dropped open increasingly wider. After finishing all videos, he murmured to himself as if flapdoodle.
"Is that Cheng?"
"A dozen of me can't beat him… "
"Has he been possessed by the devil?"
"Of course, being possessed only happens in novels."
…
At 5 a.m. the next day, Lou Cheng got up on time. He put on his martial arts suit, took the phone and keys and jogged to Jiang Fei's home as the elementary warming-up exercise for martial arts training.
It was dark outside with no glimmering of light. The street lamps shed pale yellow light on the quiet road, setting off the surrounding desolation.
Lou Cheng took regular breaths and jogged in the chill of the early dawn, exhaling white puff into the air. He gave Jiang Fei a ring to confirm that he had got up.
Lou Cheng finished a moving stance, including the skills and divided movements, when he saw Jiang Fei walk out of the entrance of the Community. He was shivering with cold in his deformed martial arts suit because of his fat.
Lou Cheng kept from laughter and said, "Let's jog first to warm up."
"OK!" Jiang Fei said with excitement. He had been looking forward to today's training after yesterday's incident. "Which way, Cheng?"
Lou Cheng had mapped out their directions. He pointed at the way on the left side. "We are gonna run to Sanli Pavilion and do training in People's Park."
"Sanli Pavilion? People's Park?" Jiang Fei opened his mouth widely with a pale face. "Kill me!"
It's at least ten kilometers!
[1] 'Yan', Pinyin of 言, equivalent to "word" in English
[2] 'Yan', Pinyin of "严",equivalent to "strict" in English
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Chapter 77: The Martial Arts World in Xiushan
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Jiang Fei was too fat and weak to run ten kilometers without any break for the first training. Lou Cheng had adjusted the training method for him to run the same distance.
Lou Cheng allowed Jiang Fei to take a break by walking slowly when he had reached his limit, while he himself took the opportunity to practice the Yin-Yang stance or the Condensation stance in order to train on his physical coordination and boost his mental concentration.
They ran for more than an hour with halts from time to time to reach the People's Park of Sanli Pavilion. Jiang Fei had to wipe the pouring sweat from his forehead now and then to keep his eyes from being covered. If it weren't for Lou Cheng setting an example for him to follow, he would have given up.
The training is superhuman!
It was dawn when they arrived. People were on their way to work, and the breakfast stalls near the Park were stirring. Quite a contrary scene to the dark, cold and quiet one that Lou Cheng had experienced. It was what the world should look like!
Jiang Fei was so exhausted that his eyes were bloodshot. It took a while for him to recover after gulping down the two bottles of water that he bought from a small shop nearby. He looked at Lou Cheng as if looking at a monster.
"Cheng, you don't need to catch your breath?"
I was dead tired even though we took breaks.
"This distance?" — Lou Cheng gave Jiang Fei a contemptuous gaze — "I run a maximum distance of more than twenty kilometers as morning exercise."
"Why not go for a marathon?" Jiang Fei blurted out.
Lou Cheng responded in a joking tone. "I don't mean to brag, but I can make them all call me dad. My endurance talent has awakened since I started martial arts training. You can call me a freak in this regard."
"No wonder… I follow a freak example… " Jiang Fei seemed to freeze with deep regret, and he kept silent for a long while before he turned around to Lou Cheng. "Let's begin our martial arts training!"
I have to learn something as being abducted here!
Hope I can lose my weight through the training!
Hope I can learn a thing or two to attract girls!
Lou Cheng positioned his suit and pointed at the entrance of the Park. "Let's look for a quiet place for your meditation."
"OK!" Jiang Fei had instantly recovered from exhaustion.
They entered the Park and saw a lively scene of people doing their morning exercise in the shade, beside the lawn or by the riverside. Elderly people with white hair were practicing tai chi, some vigorous people were doing pair exercise, and others were stretching their bodies to practice martial arts moves.
"Holy cow! There are so many people doing morning exercise in Xiushan!" Jiang Fei was shocked in the early morning sunlight. It was the first time for him to come to People's Park at 7 a.m.
"Let's go inside." Lou Cheng looked around for a quiet place.
Walking down the path along the artificial lake, they found the environment became quieter and quieter. People doing training here were obviously more professional in martial arts. Some had coaches to instruct, some were exercising with partners, and others were practicing alone. The rattle of exploding force could be heard from time to time.
"I didn't know there were so many warriors in Xiushan until we came here," Lou Cheng observed.
It was just one of the parks suitable for training.
"Yes, they seem really something!" Jiang Fei craned his neck to look.
Lou Cheng patted Jiang Fei's shoulder. "Don't look at them in this way. It will start a feud if you watch the fighters' training or movement without permission in the martial arts world."
Geezer Shi had specifically warned Lou Cheng about this rule in the martial arts world to keep him from causing trouble from a young man's burning curiosity. Yet fighters would not care about a few glimpses from ordinary people just passing by.
Jiang Fei withdrew his eyes and said with a tinge of emotion. "It's said that all martial arts stadiums and gyms are closed for the break. I think their members are all coming here for exercise…"
"The training places can be closed for business, but personal practice must continue. 'The used key is always bright.'" Lou Cheng said in Geezer Shi's tone, "They must be disciples of masters from martial arts schools or clubs."
As they talked, they arrived at the other side of the artificial lake. While he was looking for a quiet place, Jiang Fei suddenly pointed at a group of people before them. "Qin Rui!"
Qin Rui? The classmate of the amateur rank at senior high school? Lou Cheng looked ahead following the direction of Jiang Fei's finger. Among the exercisers in white-edged blue suits was a young man, over 1.9 meters tall, with eyebrow slits, a high-bridged nose, and coarse hair. It was indeed Qin Rui.
Qin Riu was always sitting in the last row of the classroom because of his height. It was said that he joined the Gushan Martial Arts School as a third-year student at junior high school and gained some fame across the grade after integrating with a group of similar students from other classes. He expected nothing less than a certificate of graduation from junior high school even as his academic performance got worse and worse.
Qin Rui noticed someone pointing in their direction and heard the voice of Jiang Fei. He said something to his partners and came up.
"Fatty Jiang… You're fatter!" Qin Rui was surprised for a second and then made fun of Jiang Fei in a friendly manner.
Jiang Fei sighed with his palms facing up. "That's why I'm here now. Do you remember him?"
"How can I forget him? Lou Cheng! I used to copy his homework." Qin Rui smiled at Lou Cheng. "I heard you went to Songcheng University. Well done! You look more vigorous now!"
Lou Cheng smiled. "It sounds as if I was dispirited… Never thought I would meet you here."
"I've done morning training here for over half a year. You two have come here for the first time." Qin Rui was pretty happy to see old classmates.
"There is a fair chance meeting some classmates in different places…" Lou Cheng seemed to just come to a realization. "Especially in the classrooms for the returning students at No.1 senior high school!"
"For over half a year?" Lou Cheng asked without thinking.
Qin Rui casually said, "It's extra training. I do my regular training at night because I have to study during the day."
"Why do you have extra training? For the Ranking Event after the Spring Festival?" Jiang Fei asked out of curiosity.
Qin Rui seemed excited. "For the preliminaries, rather than the Ranking Event!"
"Preliminaries?" Both Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei knew what that meant.
It was the entrance to the professional martial arts world!
"Yes! Preliminaries! Xiushan is well-known in the Province. Yet there are no forces or teams of professional martial arts. It puts our city in an unfavorable situation in some cases. Actually, we have professional fighters, even fighters of Danqi stage, but they have no interest in teaming up. The status quo is that the professional fighters in Xiushan are either walking into their sunset of life or joining other teams outside Xiushan." Qin Rui talked unceasingly.
For the older professional fighters not reaching physical invulnerability, they could bear to take part in matches occasionally, but not the tryouts year in year out. Apparently, it was a better choice for them to work as referees, instruct some disciples, be guests for some events, or join the police force.
Jiang Fei became interested and asked, "Someone organized it? The moneybags sponsored it?"
Qin Rui nodded his head. "Not someone. The government granted a subsidy to set up a martial arts fund, employed experts to manage and organize it, and selected excellent fighters from all martial arts clubs and family sects in Xiushan to team up for preliminaries. The government made a decade-project for the force of Xiushan to enter the third tier of the professional martial arts world. "
He laughed to himself and continued sharing. "Wherever there are human beings, there is intrigue and calculation. The insiders all want to play the leading role in advancing the project. The manager of the fund plans to let the force which does best in the first-year preliminaries exercise leadership in the following years. When the leading force is decided, the manager will invite back a local fighter of the Professional Ninth Pin or Eighth Pin to act as the chief member in order to get the lost knowledge of the martial arts rewarded for the winners of the preliminaries as soon as possible."
"You're one of the forces?" Lou Cheng smiled.
Qin Rui made a thumbs-up sign. "You got it! Gushan, Liheng and Foguang Martial Arts School are in the same boat, so are Mingwei and Shifeng Martial Arts School as well as some family sects. These are my great senior brothers and sisters!"
He pointed at the fighters in white-edged blue suits who were doing routine exercise in a slow manner.
Lou Cheng had a look at them and continued chatting for a while before saying goodbye to Qin Rui and looking for a quiet place to train.
"Cheng, what do you think of their level of martial arts?" Jiang Fei asked out of curiosity when they got to a grove far away from the training fighters.
Lou Cheng smiled. "They were just exercising moving stances. How can I see their level? I don't have piercing eyes! But I guess they must have at least reached the Amateur First Pin or Second Pin since they have confidence in winning the preliminaries."
It was the entrance of the professional martial arts world. The participants' strength would not be far away from the level of the Professional Ninth Pin. Otherwise, they were just inviting humiliation.
"The Amateur First Pin or Second Pin? They're great!" Jiang Fei said.
Qin Rui reached the Amateur Fourth Pin in the second half of the semester as a third-year student at senior high school. In Jiang Fei's memory, he was awe-inspiring in the martial arts circle of schools then, not to mention the fighters of the Amateur First Pin or Second Pin.
Jiang Fei looked at Lou Cheng and asked out of curiosity, "How about you, Cheng?"
"I haven't participated in the Ranking Event. My estimate is about the same as them." Lou Cheng answered with modesty, knowing he defeated the fighter of the Professional Ninth Pin by both self-strength and good luck.
"About the same?" Jiang Fei was shocked. He came to know Lou Cheng was good at martial arts yesterday, but he never expected so much of his pal. Lou Cheng had the strength to take part in the preliminaries for professional fighters on behalf of Xiushan!
You couldn't beat me half a year ago…
Lou Cheng did some warming-up. "Let's start!"
Jiang Fei became excited at the thought of his superb friend. He immediately stood at attention with stomach-in and chest-out posture. "Yes!"
Lou Cheng taught Jiang Fei how to meditate and explained the essence of the concealment of spirit and qi. He then let Jiang Fei practice by himself while he exercising Yin-Yang Stance and Condensation Stance.
After finishing the Solemn Silence, Lou Cheng opened his eyes and started to practice the moving stance, including the skills and divided movements. The exercise would help him build up muscles and adapt to force launching techniques as well as improve his physical fitness.
Lou Cheng preferred exercising his muscles in the Strength Training Gymnasium of the Martial Arts Club which was equipped with professional fitness facilities. As for the skills and divided movements, he chose to focus on improving physique and force launching techniques.
He looked at Jiang Fei after finishing the moving stance. He noticed his eyes move and laughed. "Can't hold on? Tired and fretful?"
"Yes… The Solemn Silence is rather boring. I can't see any progress!" Jiang Fei immediately opened his eyes.
Lou Cheng listened to him telling his feelings and shared some experience of his own. "It takes at least half a year to cross the threshold of meditation, except for the real geniuses. You don't need to be anxious. Everything is going fine."
"It just takes half a year?" Jiang Fei's focus was obviously different from Lou Cheng's.
Lou Cheng's lips twitched. "Most people lose their confidence after half a year of fruitless practice. Of course, there are people with more perseverance who can keep it up. A mighty fighter of physical invulnerability, for example, is said to spend three years grasping the meditation. Well, follow me for the moving stance."
Lou Cheng taught Jiang Fei what he had just practiced. He had a better understanding when explaining the difficulties to Jiang Fei. Teaching benefits teacher and student alike.
When Jiang Fei was barely able to practice the moving stance, Lou Cheng started to exercise martial arts moves: single whip, blast punch, thump and leg attack, tearing the air and starting the wind. Jiang Fei was clearly astonished with his eyes opened wide.
Even though he did not know much about the martial arts, he could feel the violence and craziness of every move. He was unable to bear even a single attack!
Jiang Fei became more diligent in the move stance training after recovering from the shock.
At last, Lou Cheng asked Jiang Fei to attempt to meditate again while he was thinking about how to combine the Power of Blaze with martial arts.
Although the flame was pretty pale, it might play a deciding role at a critical moment!
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Chapter 78: The Request from Qin Rui
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
The grove was wreathed in the early morning mist. Lou Cheng glanced at Jiang Fei, who was practicing the standing stance with his eyes closed. He rubbed his thumb and forefinger, sparking a small orange flame flickering in the bleak breeze.
Pang!
His arm shook with tight muscles and lashed out as if a whip, rending the air and sending out the sound of wind. And then the flame died out…
The flame was blown out by the airflow!
"The flame is too tiny and weak to keep steady. I have to integrate it into the attack to take the enemy unawares." Lou Cheng confirmed a previous guess.
He named his Power of Blaze "lighter". This was not just for fun; they shared the same characteristic. A physical move was indispensable to accelerate the internal force streaming to spark the flame, just like a flicking move necessary to catch the light.
Lou Cheng usually rubbed his fingers to spark the flame, which was obviously inappropriate in actual combat. It would be helpless unless fighting conditions were very favorable for him.
After thinking for a while, Lou Cheng intended to combine the force-launching of normal attack with the sparking of flame. He made a slight adjustment, raised his right arm, and twisted his waist to launch a downward cut with fist.
The flame burnt, covering the front surface of his fist, but went out during the downward cut because of the airflow…
Lou Cheng embarrassedly scratched his head and glanced at Jiang Fei again. He breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Jiang Fei was concentrating on his practice and did not notice the dead flame. It was a shame to show the semi-finished skill before anyone!
Lou Cheng pondered over it, analyzing the causes of his failure. He noticed that the force was generally launched when the fist was ready to strike out. That is to say, the flame was sparked at the very beginning of throwing the punch. The problem was that the flame was still too weak to endure the blow of the airflow from the opposite direction for a long while.
"Launch the force when the fist is very close to the opponent. That's the abrupt explosive force? It should work to combine it with the flame… " Lou Cheng thought it over. He shook his arm and stroked it out as if a spear. It was until he launched the abrupt explosive force that he tried to speed up the streaming heat flow within his body.
Pang!
A flame burnt with a sharp crack, covering the surface of his fist to hit the target.
Although the flame wavered and then quickly died out, Lou Cheng grinned with pleasure. The goal was basically obtained!
The weak flame would not do harm to the opponent or ignite his clothes. Yet, it would still hurt and rattle the opponent to burn him with it in the very nick of time. The opponent's fault was exactly the fighter's opportunity!
There was chance for him to defeat the opponents of the Professional Ninth Pin again if he could manipulate the Power of Blaze well. However, the flame should be used as a last resort, because his opponents would be alert to the technique once it gave them a beating.
Lou Cheng formed some idea about how to strengthen the Power of Blaze after pondering over it for more than one day. That was to improve his physique!
He did not have the physique for the Burn Force released from the Jindan currently, which almost killed him last time. Things would be going differently if his physique was as magnificent as that of a fighter of the Professional Ninth Pin or Danqi stage. When he was able to bear the boomerang of the Jindan, he could attempt to absorb its Ice Force and Burn Force. The process of solving the hidden trouble while improving his physique was surely dangerous. He had to be very cautious not to draw forth exceeding force. It was a matter of life and death.
Bringing himself from thoughts back to the exercise, Lou Cheng practiced the 24 Blizzard Strikes several times, attempting to integrate the Power of Blaze into the abrupt explosive force. When basically grasping the skill, he looked at Jiang Fei and smiled. "How's the practice?" he said. "Can you feel the concealment of spirit and qi?"
Jiang Fei opened his eyes and said with a devastated crying face, "Not yet!"
However, he soon pretended to be angry. "It's all your fault! You made such noise! How can I meditate?"
"An old monk is able to meditate while the newly-wed is entering the bridal chamber next to him," Lou Cheng teased. "Let's have breakfast and then go home. You've reach your utmost limit today."
Jiang Fei breathed a sigh of relief, "Will it take great perseverance for me to get up tomorrow because of sore muscles?"
Lou Cheng smiled. "You'll feel sore in a while, not tomorrow morning. It'll be fine after practicing for a few days when you adapt to the training rhythm."
When they passed by the place where the disciples of the Gushan Martial Arts School were training, Qin Rui suddenly called out loud:
"Fatty Jiang! Lou Cheng!"
They stopped, seeing Qin Rui trotting along with a big smile. "Could you do me a favor?"
"For what? What can two poor schoolboys do for you?" Jiang Fei was quick-witted, so it was impossible to make him borrow money.
Qin Rui said with a gentle smile, "Not a big deal. You are helping to organize the class reunion, Fatty Jiang?"
"Yes, so?" Both Jiang Fei and Lou Cheng were confused about what exactly Qin Rui would request of them.
Qin Rui pointed at the members of the Gushan Martial Arts School.
"The disciples of the Mingwei Martial Arts School gave us a letter of challenge just now. They wanna learn from each other and gain combat experience, so as not to lose the face of Xiushan in the preliminaries. They set the time the day after tomorrow, and we set the place. I suggested the North Courtyard of the Conference Villa of the Spring Scenery Field in view of the class reunion that day. Could you ask the monitor to organize our classmates to come to cheer for us?"
Jiang Fei suddenly understood his intention. "You wanna push yourself forward before the classmates?"
"A little bit…" Qin Rui smiled awkwardly. "I mainly wanna advertise our team participating in the preliminaries next year. The manager of the foundation would decide the winner according to the candidates' popularity if our scores are close. Be reassured, please. The match is in the North Courtyard. We won't disturb the reunion in the South Courtyard."
There was a martial arts stadium in the North Courtyard of the Conference Villa of the Spring Scenery Field while some recreation facilities in the South Courtyard.
Jiang Fei got a rough idea of Qin Rui's intention. He did not give his promise directly. "I'll tell the monitor about your request. But I can't guarantee she'll agree to it. Anyway, who will care about the monitor after graduation? I suggest that you invite the classmates to watch your match then. I guess there must be many willing to watch the match and cheer for you."
The monitor was Qiu Hailin, the organizer of the class reunion.
"Right! Mr. Wu will be there that day. As a crazy fan of martial arts, he will definitely want to see it. Since the head teacher takes the lead, there must be many classmates following him to cheer for you," Lou Cheng added.
Lou Cheng identified with Qin Rui's desire for the cheering and applause. He gained his desire of hearing the audience cheering his name in the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament. Moreover, he received an extra gift—— The first "come on" from Yan Zheke won much cheering and applause!
It seemed that Qin Rui wanted to reach out to touch them, but he managed to resist the impulse and smiled. "OK, I'll come to invite our classmates to watch the match… Well, there's a mistake. I'm already in the reunion and don't need to 'come to it'. I'll be there… "
After that funny line, Qin Riu said goodbye to both Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei and trotted back to the training team.
Looking at Qin Rui's back, Jiang Fei murmured to himself, "What a narcissist…"
"Not that bad. It's natural for anyone to do so," Lou Cheng said in favor of Qin Rui.
After a few of steps, Jiang Fei turned around and joked along. "Cheng, how about you jumping on the ring and beating all opponents? The one in the limelight will be you. Your strength is not weaker than theirs, right? "
"Am I crazy?" Lou Cheng said with a sneer, "Why do I meddle in their match? Their target is the preliminaries while mine is the National University Martial Arts Competitions. One does not interfere with the other's business just like the well water does not intrude into the river water."
Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei chatted and laughed walking out of the Park. They had braised pork noodles and other snacks at a breakfast stall.
"How will we get back?" Jiang Fei asked as he wiped his mouth.
Lou Cheng answered with a smirk. "We'll run back!"
The face of Jiang Fei immediately turned pale. "Brother Cheng. No! Master Cheng, It'll kill me to run another ten kilometers!"
"Don't be such a coward. I'm only kidding." Lou Cheng took out of his phone and booked a car online.
Jiang Fei sighed in relief. "I have to believe what you are saying. When you told me we were running to the People's Park of Sanli Pavilion, I believed you were joking. Well , the truth was…"
…
Back home, Lou Cheng refreshed himself with a shower and felt that his cold, which was caused by the boomerang, had gone completely. He turned on the computer, logged into QQ, and checked his E-mail box to see whether Geezer Shi had sent him the videos and other materials.
Apparently, Geezer Shi did not get up early without training his disciple.
Lou Cheng did not seem to care. He clicked on Yan Zheke's profile and sent a muscle emoji. "I feel powerful and energetic again after the morning exercise!"
Yan Zheke sent him a laughter emoji with its mouth covered by its hands. "You're not Lou Daiyu anymore. Disappointed!"
"By the way, Coach Yan. I wanna seek some advice from you." Lou Cheng sent a pair of piercing eyes.
"Say it! My good mood now is your chance!" Yan Zheke sent an emoji of a curling finger.
Lou Cheng replied a smirk. "You know that I got the prize of 15 thousand RMB. Apart from treating you to a nice dinner and a trip in Songcheng, I'd like to give a present to my mom and dad respectively. It's the first present I bought for them with the money earned by myself. Some advice for the present?"
Lou Cheng tried to involve Yan Zheke in his private affairs to promote their intimacy.
Of course, he indeed did not have any idea of what to buy for his parents.
Yan Zheke sent a stunned dog emoji. "I never see your parents and have no idea what their hobbies are. How can I give you constructive advice? You'd better offer some choices and then I'll give you some suggestions."
Lou Cheng thought for a while. "How about clothes?"
"Not bad." Yan Zheke sent a pondering emoji with its hands crossed under its chin. "There is a problem. Do you know your parents' size? XL or XXL? their waist line?"
Lou Cheng seemed frozen and sent an ellipsis. "…"
"I do know… So, the daughter is more considerate than the son." Yan Zheke sent back an emoji sighing with its palms facing up.
"Hehe, I wanna have a daughter too," Lou Cheng followed.
They chatted for a while on the topic of son and daughter before they continued to discuss the presents for Lou Cheng's parents. Lou Cheng asked, "How about asking my parents directly?"
"Um, no surprise at all! Are they at home? You can have a look at their wardrobe to see what kind of clothes they need. Of course, the presents are not necessarily very expensive, being overcoats and the like. You have to budget the use of your prize. When your martial arts level reaches the Danqi stage, you'll need to spend a small fortune on the tonic medicine." Yan Zheke advised Lou Cheng with a righteous looking emoji.
"Coach Yan is right!" Lou Cheng answered with excitement. He came to the master bedroom and opened the wardrobe.
Um… How long has the jacket been worn by dad? I remember it was there when I was a pupil…
His woolen sweater had many pills, and some parts were nearly worn out…
Mom's thermal underwear looked very old. How long had it been worn?
Lou Cheng looked at their clothes one by one, which he had never paid attention to before. He always thought that his parents' old clothes would be replaced by new ones after their living conditions got better, just like his had.
The truth was, as he saw, that they lived a very frugal existence, which involved just buying themselves a few suits of clothing for social activities. Yet, they were willing to spend every single coin on their son…
Most clothes in their wardrobe had be worn for many years. They grudgingly bought new clothes for themselves only if the old ones could not be sewn up again.
Lou Cheng took a deep breath while his eyes turned red. He settled down, feeling sorry for his mom and dad.
Lou Cheng kept the size and other information in mind and came back to his room. He sent a message to Yan Zheke.
"I wanna buy my dad a woolen sweater and my mom two suits of thermal underwear…"
After receiving the information of size, Yan Zheke selected several styles for him. "I think these are good. You can make a choice and buy one in the local store. It might be a little bit more expensive than buying it online. Anyway, you're newly rich (squint action). I've to mention that the express delivery will resume work after the Spring Festival. How sad it is… "
Yan Zheke went for her martial arts training after dealing with Lou Cheng's request. Lou Cheng played an online game for a while. Suddenly, he heard the door open and heard a familiar cough.
Mom and dad came back!
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Chapter 79: Father and Mother
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
"Cheng?" Lou Cheng's mother shouted, just as she opened the door.
Lou Cheng quickly put the mouse down and walked out. He said in a surprized and delighted tone, "You guys came back so early!"
"Early? Not really. If your father hadn't been slacking off, I would be cooking already!" Lou Cheng's mother replied while changing her shoes.
Lou Cheng's father wore glasses with gold rims, had stubborn hair that refused to be straightened out, and a face that looked pale white after shaving. He smiled bitterly, "Your mother is always in a hurry. After getting up in the morning, she was anxious to come back before we even had breakfast. I said, 'What's the point? We haven't eaten breakfast, and it's not time to make lunch yet. Why the rush?' "
"Yes, you're always right!" Lou Cheng's mother shot a glare at him and said, "So you mean that I don't need to go grocery shopping? Aren't you worried about your son?"
"Cheng is an adult now. He has hands, feet, money and a cell phone. What's there to be worried about?" Lou Cheng's father changed into his slippers and slowly walked into the living room, his hands clutching his thermos.
He wore a black overcoat, stood about one meter seventy, and was slightly shorter than Lou Cheng. His figure was thin, and his face showed signs of adversity. He didn't have many wrinkles, but his cheeks were already sagging slightly.
Seeing his parents squabble, like they always do, made Lou Cheng feel his heart reverberate with warmth. He chuckled, "I went out to exercise, and ate breakfast with Jiang Fei."
"Exercise?" Lou Cheng's mother glared at him and said in doubt. "Cheng, you used to sleep in until noon during the holiday, when have you changed?"
She wore a red, fitted, down jacket, and had even purposely coiled up her hair because she was attending a wedding. She had obvious crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, and she had put on a little weight, but she looked to be in good spirits, and her complexion was fantastic.
"What's wrong with exercise? Health is wealth!" As an intellectual, Lou Cheng's father had always felt obliged to give his opinion.
"You talk too much! I'm speaking with my son!" Lou Cheng's mother glared down at him once again.
Lou Cheng restrained his laughter and said, "Haven't I told you? I joined the university's martial arts club. I'm used to getting up early and doing exercise every day now."
"Martial arts club? You shouldn't fight with others and get yourself hurt," Lou Cheng's mother jawed. "Now I must go grocery shopping and prepare a delicious meal for you. You seem to have lost a lot of weight. Obviously, you didn't eat well in the university."
Lou Cheng replied at a loss, "Not true. I have actually gained almost fifteen pounds."
"Look at your face, is there any sign of getting fat?" Lou Cheng's mother asked in disbelief.
Knowing that actions speak louder than words, Lou Cheng took out the electronic scale, took off his coat and stood on it.
"Is this scale broken? Run out of power? How did you put on fifteen pounds?" looking at the number, Lou Cheng's mother asked with surprize.
Lou Cheng laughed and pointed at his arm, "The added weight is in the muscles. Although I'm not fat, my muscles grow robust; this is due to the martial arts training. I can eat two-and-a-half times what a senior year in high school can. Mom, you'll need to prepare more food later."
He was light in weight before. But now, with his increased capacity for eating and strengthening his muscles, Lou Cheng was at the normal weight of a fighter. However, in Geezer Shi's words, he should be heavier to have enough strength for fighting.
"Robust is good," Lou Cheng's mother said with a smile. "You can go to the marketplace with me tomorrow and pick stuff up for me. New Year's is coming, we'll hoard some food. Otherwise, it will be difficult to buy it during New Year's time."
Before Lou Cheng replied, she rushed into the kitchen, and took the draggable trolley, then changed her shoes, pulled open the door, and left.
Unscrewing the thermos cup, Lou Cheng's father took a sip of strong tea and said while shaking his head, "Your mom has been an impetuous person all her life."
"That's OK," Lou Cheng walked to the couch beside his father and sat down, "she always goes on about your stubborn temperament too."
Putting the thermos cup on the tea table, Lou Cheng's father sat down and asked, "How are you doing in school?"
He had already heard the answers from Lou Cheng's mother about these questions, but felt he would seem indifferent if he didn't even mention it.
Hearing his father's words, Lou Cheng laughed and said, "I was wondering whether you would ask this cliché, and you finally asked!"
Lou Cheng's father was stunned and suddenly sighed, "Cheng, you have become more cheerful after half a year in the university."
"Dad, was I austere or introverted before?" Lou Cheng asked in doubt.
Lou Cheng's father replied with a smile, "I don't mean that you were austere before. I just think you're more cheerful now. In the old days, you just answered the questions one by one. But now, look at you, you take the initiative."
Lou Cheng's father said humorously, like the actor's lines in the short play.
Lou Cheng laughed and subconsciously replied, "It might be that there is a lot less pressure in school, and my roommates are all friendly and easy to get along with. So, I have become more cheerful."
More accurately, it was that he had become more talkative. Thanks to Little Ming!
Practicing martial arts uplifted his spirit, chasing Yan Zheke exercised his speech, and squabbling with Little Ming improved his sense of humor. These were all indisputable facts; which to the others made him seem comfortable, leisurely, and dynamic.
The ancients often spoke about good teachers and helpful friends. And Lou Cheng's change must be the result of good friends, and he would benefit from this throughout his whole lifetime.
As the saying goes, "The fox changes his skin but not his habits." However, human nature became fixed through a slow process. Lou Cheng himself was just now shaping up and was still undergoing changes. Therefore, he would still be affected by his surroundings. It was lucky for him to have good friends, good masters, and to have met a nice girl. Of course, even though his nature had become fixed, he might change after going through misfortune or adversity.
"Umm, it's good for you to be the way you are now." Lou Cheng's father nodded his head and said, "But you should still devote yourself to your studies even if there isn't much pressure. The efforts you invest now will forge your ability in the future. The newly hired college students in our factory indeed know nothing… Don't listen to the bullshit that you can just relax and have fun after entering the university. Or else, you'll end up regretting it"
Before, Lou Cheng had always been impatient with these teachings. But now, not at all his usual self, he said, "That's true. I have three roommates who are enthusiastic in school. Every time I see them, I feel meek and push myself to work harder."
He found his father was gazing upon the Ningshui hard liquor, so he explained, "It's the original-proof spirits that Wang Xu brought. He drank two cups himself."
"Old Wang's boy?" Lou Cheng's father muttered. "Don't get too close to him. It's a pity that, because of his son, Old Wang has to suffer in his old age after a rough life."
"Dad, I understand. I'll avoid contact with these hoodlums." Lou Cheng had come to his decision calmly through his chatting with Yan Zheke.
"It's good for you to get to this point. You know, I made friends with several well-known bosses in Xiushan. Although they look polite and friendly and speak sensibly in business, they must have employees that would kill and fight for them. Otherwise, why would anyone be polite and friendly to them? Every boss just strives to get to the top, through killing and fighting. When they have no money and no relationships, they must be incredibly cruel to keep their people in check."
Lou Cheng's father couldn't help but have these strong feelings. He had helplessly watched the transformation of young workers into hoodlums, some of which even got addicted to drugs and brought instability to the community.
Lou Cheng nodded his head and said, "Anyway, I don't like to be exposed to these dark things."
Wasn't it much better for a man to live in the sunshine?
"I hope that Old Wang's boy could have a change of heart in a few years," Lou Cheng's father sighed.
As one grows older, he shouldn't dare to risk his life killing and fighting without a good reason. If he hasn't yet ascended to a higher position, he should fade out from the game gradually. Of course, that's assuming he hasn't been involved in some serious crimes and is still alive at that time.
Lou Cheng was about to reply when his father added, "Do you still remember Old Han's son?"
"Yeah, I remember. What happened to him?" Lou Cheng asked in surprise.
Old Han's son was a legend of the community and the senior of Wang Xu and others. He was talented in martial arts and got close to the professional level. Leading a group of youth workers from the factory, he pioneered a world of his own among the gangs in Xiushan. But several years earlier, he killed three men fighting for a mine and the situation got violent. Displeasing so many people, he ran away and lay low for years.
Lou Cheng's father sighed, "After hiding himself for several years, he thought his case was forgotten. So he came back alone in November but was blocked on the national highway. In the police's words, he made a last-ditch fight and was shot on the spot."
"Shot on the spot…" Lou Cheng gasped.
He used to listen to the kidnapping case from Cai Zongming, and he didn't have any feelings when he heard the gangster was shot to death. But now it was different because the dead person was his acquaintance who lived next door. And he was just shot on the spot?
"I hope that Wang Xu could get away from this fate… " He made a wish.
Instead of continuing this depressing topic, Lou Cheng's father turned the TV on. As he watched, he talked with Lou Cheng about his life in the University until Lou Cheng's mother got back from grocery shopping. Then he took a drink of strong tea and went into the kitchen to help with cleaning vegetables and cutting meat.
A few moments later, Lou Cheng smelled a pervasive fragrance coming from the quick-fried eel, which was his favorite. Unconsciously, he swallowed some saliva, feeling that he could eat an entire bowl of rice with just that smell.
His appetite was cultivated from childhood. No matter how delicious the food outside was, he would feel that it was no better than the food eaten at home. Surely, there must be some truth that his parents were skilled cooks, and not just cooking casually.
Lou Cheng made a clean sweep of the dishes on the eating table. His mother felt delighted that her cooking was appreciated and started to talk about family matters, like having the New Year's banquet at Grandpa's; how much lucky money to prepare for the younger kids; and the cousin who suffered setbacks managing the restaurant and went back to work.
While drinking original-proof spirits, Lou Cheng's father once in a while interjected a remark.
Under the intimate atmosphere, Lou Cheng felt content about the food, from his stomach to his heart.
He decided that he would mention the martial arts practice and competition when he gave presents to his parents!
In the afternoon, he chatted with his mother for a while first, then he made an appointment with Cheng Qili and went out to buy presents.
…
"Cheng, I want to confess my love for the Monitor during this party,"
Cheng Qili dropped this bombshell message inside the water club as soon as they met each other, which left Lou Cheng in shock for a while.
"When did you fall in love with Qiu Hailin? I have never heard about it from you," Lou Cheng asked crossly.
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Chapter 80: Classmates Reunion
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
"Don't you remember that I had once been the seatmate with her for one semester? Since then we got to know each other quite well… " Cheng Qili said with a lowering voice.
With his short hair divided in a ratio of thirty to seventy, he wore a pair of thick black rimmed glasses in half frames. There were several pimples on his head and acne at the corner of his mouth due to excessive internal heat. Though he looked very introverted (like the person of the saying "No matter how he is tortured, he won't even let out a silent fart,") he would surprise you when you got along with him for a long time. When talking about something he found interesting, he would become an incontinent talker.
Lou Cheng recovered from the shock and said in a gossiping tone, "I had been wondering why you frequently talked with the Monitor at that time. So you've had a crush on her since then? Ha, ha, how does she treat you? Or how familiar have you two become now?"
In Lou Cheng's impression, their Monitor Qiu Hailin looked dignified and was quite capable of organizing. The only thing worthy of mentioning was her old-fashioned hairstyle and glasses. As the Playboy Tao Xiaofei, who sat in front of him in high school, had said, "See through the appearance to perceive the essence. The Monitor has good facial features and skin, but she looks like the head teacher due to her aunt-type hairstyle and the middle school teacher type glass. One might mistake her for the head teacher."
Thinking of her hairstyle, Lou Cheng was unable to restrain himself from disclosing funny things about Qiu Hailin. Although he was not familiar with Qiu Hailin, he couldn't help staring at her forehead when each time he talked with her or met her. She just leisurely exposed her high lined forehead without covering it with her hair, making one feel the impulse to knock at her forehead.
After a careful thought, Cheng Qili said, "We never have awkward silence during our chats, and there's always something to talk about."
Dumbfounded, Lou Cheng replied. "So you intend to confess your feeling for her just like this?"
"Why not?" Cheng Qili felt at a loss.
Feeling that Cheng Qili was muddle-headed just like he was several months ago, Lou Cheng said sincerely, "The Monitor went to university in the Capital while you were in the provincial capital. How did you two get in touch with each other in usual time?"
"QQ of course," Cheng Qili answered in a natural tone.
"How often did you chat with each other? How long was each talk?" Lou Cheng asked in an orderly manner.
Thinking for a while, Cheng Qili answered, "Every two or three days. We could chat for one or two hours when we were in full spate."
"The right answer should be chatting all day every day"… Lou Cheng couldn't help but say, with his hands covering his forehead. "Is there any sign that the Monitor shows affinity with you, or is there any romantic involvement?"
"Umm… " Lost in thought, Cheng Qili answered after a long time. "That doesn't hinder me expressing my feelings for her. I do it because I like her, not vice versa."
Heaving a sigh and recalling the words of "Casanova" Cai Zongming, Lou Cheng said, "Cheng, love confession isn't just like this… "
He reorganized the teachings of Little Ming and told Cheng Qili in an understandable way. Cheng Qili was struck dumb with astonishment, as if he had entered the door to a new world.
Hearing this, Cheng Qili went absent-minded for a while and then said in a worshiping tone, "Cheng, if it weren't for you, I'd have screwed this up. It's clear to me now that one shouldn't express his feelings for a girl directly! Oh, where did you learn this? I remember that you didn't get into a relationship in high school. Have you become suddenly enlightened in university?"
He nearly stretched out his hands to hold and shake Lou Cheng.
Drunk in his worshiping sight, Lou Cheng felt the delight of "being a teacher" and said with a laugh, "I'm chasing a girl, so I learn from others and have summarized my own experience."
"No wonder!" Cheng Qili said in surprize, "You didn't mention that you were chasing after a girl."
Lou Cheng replied with a hollow laugh. "I intend to leave it in suspense before I make it, for the fear that it would be awkward if I fail."
"Ha ha, introduce her to us at that time." Cheng Qili joked in the same way Jiang Fei did.
"It would surprize you when I introduce her to you." Lou Cheng got lost in daydreaming for a while and continued to chitchat with Cheng Qili. They talked freely about funny things they had encountered in school respectively. However, unlike what he did for the girl he fell in love with, he wouldn't bother to talk about all matters, whether important or trivial, to crude men like Jiang Fei and Cheng Qili!
After talking and laughing to past four o'clock, Cheng Qili went back home to keep accompany with his relatives. Lou Cheng, taking his phone, came to a local business center under the instruction of Yan Zheke. He found the two physical stores and bought two lady's autumn clothes and one knitted sweater directly.
Yan Zheke murmured at his unthoughtfulness, "You nearly drive me mad! I can't believe you pay for them directly without even asking whether there is any activity, scraping-up of orders, or discounts."
Lou Cheng answered in a weak tone, "The price seems reasonable… "
Yan Zheke said with a dazing emoji, "Well, that's what Cheng would do, very manly… What a spendthrift!"
Returning back home, Lou Cheng walked through the living room with great care to avoid his mother, who was cooking. He hid the presents in his room with an expectation to surprise his parents on New Year's Eve.
Just then, he received an E-mail from Geezer Shi containing videos and detailed data about Big or Small Hand Wrap. Watching them while discussing them with Yan Zheke, he reached to a theoretical grasp about the Big or Small Hand Wrap.
Frankly speaking, the Big or Small Hand Wrap was about Catch and Reverse Catch and would achieve a fantastic effect with listening skill in close battle. Compared with other fighting skills which might cause serious injuries or even deaths, the Big or Small Hand Wrap was a good choice for street fighting. Among the attached data, Lou Cheng found the illustration about joints were fascinating.
…
Before long, the day came for the get-together of high school classmates. Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei went back home respectively after exercise. They took a shower, changed their clothes, got into the taxi and headed toward the rendezvous.
"Coach Yan, I'm about to meet Du Liyu today. Do you have any suggestion on how to bully him? For he had taken your dear friend sitting behind you as his girlfriend." Sitting in the car and watching the scenery on both sides, Lou Cheng sent the message to Yan Zheke with a cheeky grin.
Yan Zheke replied with a proud emoji wearing sunglasses. "Just throw him on the ground!"
"Umm… Under the gaze of assembled company, others may misinterpret this as my unrequited love for Song Li." Lou Cheng replied with a "dumbstruck" emoji.
"Just a joke!" Yan Zheke said with a "stretching hands" emoji. "You can ask him about his love affair with Song Li by inference and pay attention to his answers. I must guard a pass for my friend. Cheng, I hereby entrust this important intelligence duty to you, and wish that you won't fail my expectation!"
"Haha, you may rest assured, and I'll finish my duty!" answered Lou Cheng with a bright smile.
After he arrived at the rendezvous, he saw Fatty Jiang, as the assistant organizer of the get-together, had already got there. In Lou Cheng's eyes, Fatty Jiang could be described with the saying "He has aching waist, back, and legs, but he could climb to the fifth floor with one breath."
His weight-reducing plan hadn't had much effect yet, but Fatty Jiang looked more energetic and was talking with the Monitor Qiu Hailin and the others right now. Right beside them standing Cheng Qili, who had changed a suit of new clothes to look clean with high spirits, and broke in with few words now and then.
Unconsciously, Lou Cheng threw a glance at Qiu Hailin's forehead by force of habit. With her big forehead still exposed, Qiu Hailin looked totally different and was almost a beauty, for her hair was more fashionable, and her eyeglasses changed to invisible ones.
Smiling, he walked toward Qiu Hailin to greet her.
"Cheng, you have changed a lot, and I nearly can't recognize you." Qiu Hailin said this with a smile.
Lou Cheng laughed. "Speaking of changes, I can't compare with you. Look at your deskmate, he is trembling with surprize and doesn't dare to speak."
Imitating Cai Zongming, Lou Cheng tried to connect Cheng Qili with Qiu Hailin to create the atmosphere for him.
Brother, I've done my best to help you!
Amidst the laughter of their classmates, Cheng Qili was abashed while Qiu Hailin said with her mouth covered, "Look at the imposing manner you're talking, you really have changed. By the way, do you still remember you deskmate?"
She pointed at the girl who was wearing a light blue cotton-padded jacket.
The girl was called Cao Lele, deskmate of Lou Cheng during his first year and second year in senior high school. With a small nose, small eyes, and small mouth, Cao Lele looked comely, and she was also the one Lou Cheng and Yan Zheke talked of at the topic of menstruation.
Looking at Cao Lele, Lou Cheng unconsciously recalled the topic and his sudden recollection at that time, he couldn't help but laugh out. Nodding his head, he said, "How could I forget? Classmate Lele was almost half an English teacher to me."
Seeing his whimsical expression, Cao Lele said in surprize, "Lou Cheng, what's wrong with you?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing at all. I was just thinking of other things." Lou Cheng would never talk about that topic foolishly.
More and more classmates arrived. Qin Rui came to greet and discuss with Jiang Fei and Qiu Hailin in whispers. Tao Xiaofei, the dandyish classmate sitting in front of Lou Cheng also reached here, driving his BMW Seven Series. He exchanged pleasantries with Lou Cheng, larding with dirty topics.
Old Wu and Teacher Xin showed up their face. A skinny middle-aged man, Old Wu wore a pair of big glasses, which nearly covered half of his face, and showed no sign of enthusiasm for martial arts. While Teacher Xin, a delicate and exquisite lady, had become their head teacher two years later after her graduation, and handed the responsibility of a head teacher to Old Wu for her lack of experience during their third year in senior high school.
Du Liyu arrived later. Since dating a girlfriend, he became exquisite in his dressing. Wearing a black coat, he looked vigorous in short hair with his height of one meter and eighty. His eyebrow was dense and black as always, for which he was given the name "Crayon Shinchan".
Dragging Jiang Fei, Lou Cheng murmured to him, "Fatty Jiang, we shall cooperate with each other later. I want to make Du Liyu confess his love affair with Song Li."
Jiang Fei laughed and said, "Cheng, I didn't realize until now you are a bigger gossip than me. Is it necessary to go that deep? Have you got feelings for Song Li?"
"I'm doing a favor for someone else," Lou Cheng answered briefly.
"Who?" Jiang Fei asked in confusion and bewilderment.
Lou Cheng laughed. "Of course, it's Song Li's bestie Yan Zheke."
"Jesus!" With his mouth widely open, Jiang Fei breathed in a northwest wind. Immersed in shock for quite a long while, he said to Lou Cheng with his thumb up, "Cheng, you surprise me. You have got Yan Zheke's number!"
At this time, almost all the classmates arrived. Fatty Jiang couldn't have said more before he organized them to board on the traveling bus.
The assembly point was over ten kilometers from the Nine Curves of Xiushan, and it was still a long way from the Nine Curves to the Conference Villa of Spring Scenery Field, which required climbing up the mountain. But actually, except for Lou Cheng who had enough physical strength, no one else would like to walk to the destination from the Nine Curves. Qiu Hailin ordered a bus to get everyone to the Conference Villa. Anyone who was fond of climbing mountain could himself climb it during their free time.
The fee for the get-together, two hundred yuan each one, was collected online earlier. The overcharge would be returned while the shortage would be paid by Tao Xiaofei.
Getting on the bus, Lou Cheng sat straightforwardly beside Du Liyu, which shocked him for a while because he was not very familiar with Lou Cheng.
At that time, Qiu Hailin counted the number on the spot. Clapping her hands, she said in the front,
"Except Tao Xiaofei and several other people who are driving to there, everyone is present. Please be quiet for a while, Qin Rui has something to tell us."
Standing beside Qiu Hailin, Qin Rui said smilingly with his hands in a salute gesture,
"I'm about to fight at a Martial Arts Competition at the North Garden of the Conference Villa today. It concerns the preliminaries after the New Year. Your appearance will be sincerely appreciated. At this moment, I wish you guys a happy New Year in advance!"
Coming by such a joyful thing was hard. The classmates got agitated with barracking first then shouts next, and expressed their willingness to watch the competition. The site became bustling with noise and excitement for a while.
Actually speaking, Lou Cheng was also very interested in it, because he was eager to know about the level of martial arts circle at his hometown.
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Chapter 81: Unwavering Willpower
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
It would be more appropriate to call Du Liyu and Lou Cheng classmates rather than friends. Du Liyu had his own little circle of friends and wanted to sit with his best pal, Xiong Tao. So, when Lou Cheng sat down next to him, he was bewildered and confused.
Xiong Tao just stood there until Qin Rui was done talking. He tapped on Lou Cheng's shoulder and said, "Ay, Lou Cheng, why are you sitting in my seat? "
"I've something to ask Du Liyu. I'll return the seat to you soon. Sorry about that. " Lou Cheng looked at Xiong Tao in the eyes and answered him in a neither proud nor humble way.
Xiong Tao was a little mad at first. However, once he caught Lou Cheng's eyes and heard his honest and confident voice, the anger dissipated. He laughed and said, "About what? Can I listen? "
"Just gossip. " Lou Cheng turned to Du Liyu and smiled. "Could you share your experience? "
Du Liyu realized what Lou Cheng was talking about. He pointed at Jiang Fei who was seated behind and exclaimed. "Fatty Jiang, we said it would be kept secret! "
Jiang Fei brushed it off and said lazily, "Don't you already know that I have a big mouth? "
Cheng Qili who was sitting next to him, burst out laughing.
Du Liyu was upset and amused at the same time. "No wonder Song Li said that everyone in his class knew about it. It's all because of your big mouth! I was still trying to recall if anyone else had seen me. "
"Sacrificing yourself for your pals! Good job Fatty Jiang! " Lou Cheng secretly praised Fatty Jiang, grinned and said, "So, tell us honestly, if not we'll torture you. "
It is kind of bizarre if you think about it. Though Du Liyu was not close to Lou Cheng, with Lou Cheng's confidence and natural poise, the barrier between them disappeared and he became somewhat comfortable with Lou Cheng. Without much thought, he said, "What's there to say? Isn't it just like that? "
As his best pal, obviously Xiong Tao knew that Du Liyu and Song Li were dating. Instead of trying to find another seat, he stood next to Lou Cheng and leaned against the back of the seat. With an arm propped up on the seat, he said cheekily, "Details! We want to hear the details! "
It's always easy to stir a commotion and gather everyone with such topics.
Copying Little Ming, Lou Cheng looked at Du Liyu and pointed at Xiong Tao. "Did you hear that? It's the crowd's wish! The crowd's desire! Spill it! How did you and Song Li start? "
He was not loud so the interest and noise were confined to the two rows. Noticing this made Du Liyu relaxed a little. He scratched his head and said, "Aren't we in one city? After the semester started, a senior brother organized a gathering for our people from our province. You know right, she was close to Yan Zheke. The two of them were often together and were quite popular in our year. I was surprized and excited to meet someone from home. So, with the adrenaline rush, I gathered enough courage to ask for her number and QQ account. She seemed happy to share. No signs of rejection then. "
"Yup, one of life's greatest happiness is to meet someone from the same hometown when away from home. But damn! This is turning a heartwarming family reunion of two from the same hometown, to romantic union! " With his ears all sharp, Jiang Fei could not help but throw an insult at Du Liyu.
"Then? Did you start to woo her? " There was no need for Lou Cheng to follow up. Xiong Tao helped to ask most enthusiastically ever.
Du Liyu gave him a stare and continued, "How can that be? We just talked and then got to know each other better. Sometimes she will ask me for help or ask me along for some short trips. Look, she's kind of good looking. Besides being fiery sometimes, she's a bubbly girl. So I couldn't help liking her. "
Fiery… Lou Cheng made a silent note for the term. He teased Du Liyu. "From what you've said, she's the one who started it? "
He knew about the gathering of the people from the local province. However, he and Yan Zheke had started on their special training. Classes took up the rest of the time. Since they could never afford the time to join the gatherings, they just decided to ignore this bunch of people.
"I think that's about it… She was always looking for me. My roommates were all saying that such classmate relationship will eventually evolve into some adultery, " Du Liyu said with a hint of arrogance in his words.
"I don't trust your words. Song Li, such a good girl would be interested in you? " Xiong Tao poked fun at Du Liyu's explanation.
Du Liyu smiled and replied to the joke. "I've no idea too. Maybe she feels that I'm matured enough…"
Urgh! Lou Cheng, Jiang Fei, Xiong Tao and Cheng Qili made a puking action.
"What are you all talking about? Sounds fun! " Qiu Hailin walked towards them in the middle section, greeting everyone while she made her way to the back. Anyone would have thought she was their teacher.
"We're talking about Du Liyu and… and Song Li from Class Three. " Big-mouthed Jiang Fei was ready to broadcast the news to everyone. As he was talking, Du Liyu tried to cover his mouth to stop him from talking, but Jiang Fei smartly dodged Du Liyu's hands.
Qiu Hailin looked at them with doe eyes and asked, "Du Liyu and Song Li are dating? "
"Yes, buddy, we're seeking his advice on how to woo girls. Care to join? " Lou Cheng joked and shot a glance at Cheng Qili, hinting him to repeat what they were talking about to Qiu Hailin.
What they said piqued Qiu Hailin's interest. Gossipy Hailin decided to join the conversation. "Not bad, Du Liyu! You're bringing honor to our class. I heard that some Jia person in Class Three also chased Song Li. "
"I know. Song Li mentioned before. He's called Jia Yue. Pretentious fellow, always trying to show that he's intelligent and scholarly. She doesn't like him at all, " Du Liyu said with a small laugh.
"How does it feel being in love? " Lou Cheng tried to steer the conversation towards the direction he wanted, trying his best to be a good spy and traitor.
Du Liyu paused to think for a while before he responded. "There's no way to describe it. It was amazingly sweet in the beginning. Now, it's alright. Though she's a little naggy, the rest of it is still good. "
After listening to him, Jiang Fei, who has been forever single, mumbled quietly, "So, which stage are you at already? "
With a pfft, Qiu Hailin blushed and looked away. A flustered and embarrassed Du Liyu said angrily,
"Get lost! "
Such matters were not meant to be discussed openly!
Lou Cheng laughed and recalled the main point that Du Liyu mentioned earlier, "Naggy… "
Time flew by in the midst of everyone's laughter. The bus reached the main doors of Spring Scenery Field Conference Villa, and Tang Xiaofei's BMW was already parked nearby.
As Lou Cheng got off the bus, he met his homeroom teacher, Old Wu. He smiled and greeted his teacher.
"Mr. Wu, it has been some time since we met. You just seem to get livelier and more energetic every time we meet. "
"Ha ha," Old Wu laughed. "Lou Cheng, you've learned to say niceties huh. Last time all you'd say was 'Hi Mr. Wu'. "
"You make it sound like I was a kindergarten kid! Like I just learned how to talk, " Lou Cheng said humorously.
The students who were near them could not help but laugh at their conversation. Old Wu added cheerfully, "Not bad, seems like you've learned a lot from college life. "
"Yes sir, I've joined the Songcheng University Martial Arts Club, " Lou Cheng replied and did a bodybuilder pose to show off his muscles.
Old Wu was very surprized. He looked at Lou Cheng carefully and said, "I know you like martial arts, but didn't expect that you'd go and pick up martial arts. It helps to strengthen your body. You mustn't be like me. So skinny with the strength of a mouse. "
While they talked, everyone walked into the villa. No one stepped away from the group. They all gathered around Old Wu and Mr. Xin in the teahouse, catching up and reminiscing the good old high school days, like how Old Wu would quietly enter the class and keep watch of the students during other lessons, and how Tao Xiaofei was a rebellious child who always argued with the Teachers. He made fresh graduate teachers cry. Old Wu and Mr. Xin had fun talking about their "arduous journey" with the students.
Thinking about the past is always such a heartwarming thing. As long as they were not too terrible experiences, it is always pleasant, being transported back to your youthful teenage years without the studying stress.
Only because we cannot return to how we were and how it was, that's why we learn how to appreciate, to treasure.
They sat there for a while. As they talked and talked, Lou Cheng felt glad that he attended the school reunion this time. Almost an hour passed before people made arrangements to go for free karaoke, play a game of badminton and ping pong, as well as hiking at the nearby hill to get some fresh air.
As for Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei, they continued to accompany Old Wu and Mr Xin. They continued to chat about the past and slowly all those dirty secrets like the truth behind the sick leave started to come out in the open.
There was no longer fear between them, more like friends.
When it was almost noon, the students gathered again to head to the South Garden Dining Hall. There were approximately 50 of them, but they still managed to squeeze five tables. Each table had an abundant supply of drinks – Chinese rice wine, red wine, beer, coconut juice, soya milk and orange juice.
After seeing everyone seated, Qiu Hailin stood up, raised her wine glass and with a stance of an experienced speaker, she said,
"It has been a semester since we graduated. With all of us gathered here, for the never ending youth and friendship, for Mr. Wu and Mr. Xin who have been with us for three years, taught us for three years, had high blood pressure for three years… Cheers! "
Everyone raised their glasses and clinked it against the lazy susan in the middle of the table. Everyone started pouring drinks for each other.
Without hesitation, Lou Cheng grabbed the coconut juice and poured himself a glass.
"Ay, Lou Cheng, why're you being such a sissy? Drinking juice! " Tao Xiaofei, who was at the same table, commented loudly.
At least ten pairs of eyes turned to watch the commotion. Unembarrassed, Lou Cheng calmly said,
"I am off alcohol. "
At this moment, Qiu Hailin raised her glass again and shouted,
"Cheers! "
Just as she said cheers, Tao Xiaofei loudly declared, "Hold on a second. We have someone here who's faking it. Like a girl! Using some juice in place of proper drinks! "
In no time, everyone's eyes were on Lou Cheng and his glass filled with clean white coconut juice.
In the past, Lou Cheng would have turned red from embarrassment, looked for a hole to hide in or quickly change the juice into a proper drink so that he need not have to tolerate the embarrassment. This time, he was calm. He did not feel that it was a big matter. Lou Cheng looked at everyone, raising his glass and voice, he said, "Mr. Wu, Mr. Xin and everyone, I'm now training with Songcheng University's Martial Arts Club and have stopped drinking. So in place of a drink, a toast to all with this glass of coconut juice! "
That rich classmate of his is actually a rather nice person. He never bullied anyone and liked a dirty joke or two. Also, Tao Xiaofei was a little self-centered, just like now, not caring much about other people's feelings.
Obviously he would not accept Lou Cheng's explanation. In a displeased manner, he said, "We haven't met in a while, what's wrong with a drink? What harm would a drink bring? Can't you just pick up a proper drink just for Mr. Wu, Mr. Xin and the rest of us? Not sporting enough! "
Lou Cheng looked straight into his eyes, and without any change in his smile, he firmly said, "Didn't Mr. Wu teach us? A small leak can sink a great ship. Such things, once you start drinking, you'll never stop again. "
Tao Xiaofei was about to argue, but Old Wu raised his glass and said,
"Alright, alright. Since everyone's here to have fun, let's just have fun. Those who want liquor, can have liquor, those who want juice, can have juice. No compelling others. Girls, if you've to say no, say no. "
He gulped down the tiny bit of Chinese white wine left in his glass and declared,
"Cheers! For the three years we had together! "
"Cheers! " The rest of the students echoed and finished off whatever remained in their glasses.
As Lou Cheng sat down, Jiang Fei leaned over and said in awe, " I wouldn't be able to take the pressure you were under just now. It could have been resolved with just a sip. I'm sure a sip doesn't mean you're back drinking alcohol. Can't believe you actually stood your stand. "
"It's just a test of my willpower I guess. If I can't take this level of pressure, how am I going to continue my martial arts training? " Lou Cheng responded in a nonchalant manner.
At the table, Tao Xiaofei clearly showed his displeasure but did not pick on Lou Cheng. He was only a little colder as compared to the time that they first met.
After dinner, Qin Rui asked everyone to gather at the North Garden to wait for the competition to start. He excitedly announced that a representative of the Foundation would be coming to watch the competition. So, if anyone performs well, he or she might just get some sponsorship for the preliminaries next year. Upon hearing the news, both teams valued the competition even more.
At the entrance of the North Garden, Qin Rui joined the rest of the people from the Gushan Martial Arts School. Tao Xiaofei who frequented bars, seemed to know these fighters. He joined and began to chat with the leader of the pack. The mafia and martial arts school were always intricately linked. Many gangsters after making some money, would want to upgrade themselves. Learning orthodox martial arts would help them secure and improve their standing in the gang. Since Tao Xiaofei and Qin Rui were classmates, it was not surprizing that Tao Xiaofei was buddies with the fighters of the Gushan Martial Arts School.
"Do you think Tao Xiaofei will get the Gushan Martial Arts School people to pick on you? " Busybody Jiang Fei was trying to stir some trouble.
If they were to fight, Jiang Fei would not be worried at all. With Cheng's talent to endure, even if he could not beat them, he would probably be able to defend or run to their breaking point.
Lou Cheng glared at Jiang Fei. "Would he go that far? It's just a drinking thing. "
While he said that, he used Condensation Stance to eavesdrop on Tao Xiaofei.
"Brother Feng, someone told me that he's no longer drinking because he's doing martial arts. Is this a joke or what? "
"You're so good, and I don't see you keep away from liquor. Just for fun, don't know why he is being such a prude. He gave no face. Empty vessels make the most noise! "
"Huh? It's ok, it's ok. I was just grumbling. There's no need to fight a long time classmate over such matters. Just wouldn't be too friendly with him in the future. "
…
Lou Cheng smiled to himself. Tao Xiaofei is still not too bad a person. Just a little self-centered.
At this moment, Lou Cheng caught sight of a man walking towards him. He was about 30 years old, with well-maintained brush cut hair, and wore a short leather jacket and shiny leather shoes. Although his looks was average like anyone out in the streets, he was exuding so much energy that Lou Cheng could hardly ignore.
When someone is about to reach the best body refining state, their Qi would also be at its best. However, it would also be almost uncontrollable. It would be so powerful and make the person almost glow, giving off an intimidating aura.
People who have never been in contact with Professional Ninth Pin fighters would probably not notice this. However, for Lou Cheng, after being around people like Lin Que, and having fight Wang Ye, Ye Youting and Zhou Yuanning, he was now extremely sensitive, and could immediately tell that this person was one of the fighters with Professional Ninth Pin. Even if he wasn't as strong as Lin Que or Ye Youting, his level would not be far off.
Plus, this person's eyes were so sharp and cold, almost to the extent of abnormal. There was a sense of danger around him. If we were to call Lin Que, Ye Youting and the other Professional Ninth Pin fighters as ferocious tigers at the zoo, though capable of hurting people but they were somewhat domesticated. This was not the case for the fighter in front of him. He was just like a wolf in the wild.
"A current Professional Ninth Pin… Could he be the main fighter brought in by the foundation? They haven't started, have they? " Thoughts ran across Lou Cheng's mind, and kept his eyes on the person who continued to walk and approach his team.
As they were about to pass each other, the leather jacket man suddenly staggered and knocked into the young leader of the fighters, who was standing next to Tao Xiaofei.
The young leader was tall, muscular, and had big bright eyes. He frowned and said, "Watch where you're going. "
The leather jacket man widened his eyes and returned the stare.
"You walk with your eyes shut? "
After he spoke, his Qi burst out suddenly. He transformed into a hungry wolf, waiting to hunt and kill his prey.
Lou Cheng saw the light instantly. This person was here to make trouble!
To stir trouble for the Gushan Martial Arts School!
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Chapter 82: Not A Farce
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Even they were standing at a distance away, Lou Cheng, who had naturally gone into the Condensation Stance, could feel the dreadful aura threatening to swallow them in a gulp. In an instant, he seemed to be surrounded by a sense of hollowness and in a cold, rainy night, a giant wolf with a pair of lustrous green eyes howled at the bright clear moon in the sky, looking ever-ready to attack, making people trembling with fear.
This…Lou Cheng suddenly felt terrified. The vibe of the man in the short leather jacket could actually directly affected his own mentality and spirit?
This was not something that Lin Que, Ye Youting and Wang Ye could do!
Bam!
The moment the instigator in the short leather jacket finished his sentence, his right arm was already pulled back like a tightened bow. As he threw a punch, as swift as lightning yet hard as a rock.
However, the young man did not expect him to begin the fight so instantly and did not have much time to react. All he could do was to place both his arms in front of him like a shield, displaying the stiffest defense posture ever.
After a dull thud, his body swayed. He managed to block off the attack, and the man in the short leather jacket bounced to the side with the force of the rebound. He yelled,
"You guys have more people, I ain't interested to fight with you!"
He walked away rapidly while he said it, which caused the group of Gushan Martial Arts School disciples looking bewildered, as they stood on the spot, wondering what had just happened.
with a passerby over a small matter. However, it is too abnormal to have someone start an argument with such intimidating poses and, yet ended it abruptly with weak excuses.
An instigator rapidly escaping after a punch, with hardly a fight, did not make sense at all!
If he was really afraid of a large number of people, why was he so aggressive?
Or could it be because that punch did not work out, so he chose to leave immediately?
Lou Cheng found it ridiculous as well. The trouble that was stirred up against Gushan Martial Arts School just ended like this? The other side had took the trouble to hire a Mighty One of Professional Ninth Pin, and it ended up looking like a child play?
"Are you alright, Senior Dai?" Qin Rui quickly asked his eighth senior, Dai Linfeng, the moment he regained his consciousness. Dai Linfeng was the strongest among the current batch of disciples, who was a fighter of Amateur First Pin at the age of 20. He was even said to be the strongest among his master's batch, except that his master was stronger than him.
Dai Linfeng stretched his arms, and replied with a sense of uncertainty, "No worries, perhaps he was rash in a spur of the moment. Let's hurry and go in. Don't make Master and Chairman Wei wait too long."
The man they just met was not any weaker than him, and all they had was such a ridiculous fight?
Fortunately, he was not injured. Since he could not understand what was going on, then he might as well stop thinking about it…
The other disciples of Gushan Martial Arts School as well as Lou Cheng and his ex-classmates who could not make any sense of what had just happened. But once they stepped inside the North Garden arena, they had forgotten all about it already.
"Something was certainly weird…" Lou Cheng frowned slightly as he murmured to himself.
Jiang Fei, who happened to be by his side, overheard his murmurs and shockingly asked him, "What's weird? Wasn't it just a small friction that did not break into a huge fight? We certainly have more people on our side."
Lou Cheng glanced around to check if anyone overheard their conversation. He lowered his voice and explained, "That guy just now was a fighter of Professional Ninth Pin. If they were to fight, why would that Senior Dai, who was slower, not have been injured?"
"Professional Ninth Pin?" Jiang Fei blurted out, almost forgot to control his volume. "Then why did he escape so quickly after one move?"
"That's why I said it was weird…" Lou Cheng said with pursed his lips.
Jiang Fei took a glance at him with doubt, and asked, "Are you sure you didn't see wrongly? He just struck a punch, and surely that's not enough to prove that he's of Professional Ninth Pin? Moreover, you see that Senior something Dai wasn't bothered by it."
"I'm sure." Lou Cheng answered him firmly. The feeling of that guy's vigorous vital energy and blood, as well as the horrifying vibe that he was giving off could never be fake!
"…Forget about it, nothing happened anyway." Jiang Fei said as he stared blankly at him. Since there wasn't a good explanation for the incident just now, he chose to forget about it.
The martial arts venue at Conference Villa was not considered big and it had a standard-sized arena. The audience seats were only two to three steps away from it, with a total of five rows, accommodating only about a few hundred of spectators.
Then again, this place was a private venue provided specially for guests who like martial arts. Thus it was unnecessary to worry the issue about the number of spectators.
The large lamps hung on the dome-shaped roof were glowing and under the bright lights, a group of people were already sitting on the left side of the entrance. In the front was a middle-aged man in his forties. He was well-dressed in a suit with his shiny hair neatly combed back. He had heavy eye bags and looked rather tired, yet he gave off a sense of high superiority and prestige.
When he noticed Dai Linfeng, Lou Cheng and the others entered, he initially looked stunned, but recovered immediately. There were two old men in their fifties on each of his side. One of them had sharp-looking and bright eyes but a face full of wrinkles, while the other had blurry eyes but appeared youthful.
The two of them had maintained the vigorous vital energy and blood within their bodies, which could be evolved into functional activities of Qi. In other words, a portion of the Professional Ninth Pin quality remained in each of their bodies.
"Chairman. Master." Dai Linfeng and other disciples from Gushan Martial Arts School greeted them in a flurry.
The foundation chairman, Wei Renjie, chortled and said, "Looks like our pal, Dai, is looking good. Show us what you've today. Who are these friends?"
"Chairman, they are my high school classmates. Since there's a gathering today, they've come to support me." Qin Rui had long waited for this opportunity to stand out and grab some attention.
"High school? Which high school are all of you from?" Wei Renjie asked with a friendly and approachable attitude.
Qin Rui quickly explained, "We'd just graduated half a year ago, from Xiushan No. 1 High School. These two were my homeroom teachers, Mr. Wu and Mr. Xin."
"Oh Mr. Wu, I've heard of that name. He's our No. 1 High School special grade teacher." Wei Renjie mentioned as he walked towards Old Wu and shook his hands. "I'd also graduated from No. 1 High School, so I guess I am your senior. All of you are the shining stars of hope for the future and pillars of our Xiushan community. When all of you have graduated from college, please do not forget about your hometown."
The way he spoke sounded like an official, but he indeed appeared joyful. Looking at these students reminded him of his young days when he was still high-spirited.
As a special grade teacher, Old Wu had met many leaders along the way, especially those with children who were still schooling. He expressed his utmost enthusiasm towards the chairman, looking fearless, laughed and said, "I am familiar with Chairman as well, someone whom No. 1 High School is very proud of, and had even initiated to return to hometown upon graduation from college. Our old principal will always praise you when mentioning your name."
His words hit right in the feels of Wei Renjie. Wei Renjie felt very satisfied upon hearing what Old Wu had said, and he smiled widely, "It's been a long time since I last seen our old principal. Come here, since we're all from No.1 High School, we should sit together."
"What's the purpose of us forming teams to participate in the preliminaries? First is for Xiushan's reputation, second is for the country's resource allocation. As for the third reason, is definitely to let everyone be aware of martial arts as well as to gain an interest in building up a good physique and improve one's health. I am really very glad that all of you have come to watch this tournament, as this means that I've managed to achieve a small accomplishment. Dear fellow students, do not neglect martial arts while you are studying, nor should you neglect about strengthening your body, or you'll end up like me having a sickly body despite of young age."
Wei Renjie spoke in full flow, and he continued to introduce the two old men beside him to Lou Cheng and the others, "These two seniors are our strong pillars in the martial arts community at Xiushan. This is Old Master Chu Weicai from Gushan Martial Arts School, and this is Old Master Ning Xunli from Mingwei Martial Arts School."
Chu Weicai was the man with wrinkles and sharp-looking eyes. Ning Xunli was the youthful man with blurry eyes.
They politely greeted and gathered their disciples to sit separately on each side, as they waited for the tournament to begin.
Wei Renjie finally stopped chatting and walked up on stage. Since they had spectators, it would be natural of him to start off with a formal opening speech. After a long eloquent speech, he finally came to the main topic, "This time, we've invited Mr. Zhu Zushou from Liuhe Martial Arts School at the provincial capital to be our referee, as a real combat practice in preparation for the preliminaries next year. There's a total of three battles. First battle, Dai Linfeng from Gushan Martial Arts School VS Zhou Zhengyao from Mingwei Martial Arts School. They're both strong fighters of Amateur First Pin, also our hopes for Xiushan martial arts."
When he got off the stage, Dai Linfeng and Zhou Zhengyao walked up the stage from each side, as they stood on the left and right side of the referee. The former wore a blue martial arts suit with white trimmings, while the latter wore a red and black martial arts suit with a strong ancient Chinese style. He, too, had a square face, with a pair of thick eyebrows and big eyes. If he were to act in a TV drama, he would definitely be asked to act as the righteous character, yet there was a look of evilness in his eyes.
"Cheng, who do you think will win this battle?" Jiang Fei asked with interest.
Lou Cheng rolled his eyes and replied, "They haven't even started the battle, how would I know?"
"I thought all experts would have those strong vibes or temperament sort of thing?" Jiang Fei asked curiously.
Lou Cheng replied with an annoyed attitude, "Yes, experts will have, but you can't possibly use that to determine who's the winner. Moreover, they are not even considered real experts, at least not of professional rank yet…"
He gradually lowered his voice as he noticed the people from both schools were looking at his direction, after all the families and friends supporters of both schools were there as well!
"Oh…" Jiang Fei replied, finally understood the situation and started to pay attention to the tournament.
After three minutes of talk time, the referee announced the start of the battle. Both the fighters on stage were fighting and cuddling up in a heap. Every punch and kick was clearly heard as they exchanged several attacks, making the fight looked exciting.
"Cheng, it did seem interesting, but I can't understand the theory behind, tell me about it." Jiang Fei said as he turned his head towards Lou Cheng. Cheng Qili, Qiu Hailin, Cao Lele, Du Liyu, Xiong Tao, and the others who were sitting beside also looked in the same direction upon hearing.
Lou Cheng had no plans to hide what he knew. He grinned and started to explain, "Mingwei Martial Arts School has decided to take on the aggressive attacking role, and other than using his hands and legs, he had also made use of his elbows, knees, shoulders, back and head. Do you remember that headbutt which he had come out with all of a sudden? Their attacking style belongs to the extreme kind, lesser resistance, but more of attacking. On the other hand, Gushan Martial Arts School martial arts style is more of portraying the art and meaning behind. Remember that who, I think is Senior Dai, had just used a Downward Cut in Tiger-hug Posture? "
Hearing that every word he said was well reasoned, well argued and very clear, the students surrounding Qiu Hailin started to listen to him attentively. Listening and watching the tournament at the same time helped them greatly in understanding the battle, as they realized that they were no longer spectators who were here just for fun.
While explaining to them, Lou Cheng started to frown and whispered, "That Senior Dai from Gushan Martial Arts School is kinda weird. He's restraining his arms and legs, as if he had never been to an actual combat before? That's not possible, isn't it? Or is he not focused enough and his heart is not at the arena, but it can't be since there are so many spectators around…"
He did not say this aloud, but there were many disciples from Gushan Martial Arts School who had trained themselves to have excellent eyesight and hearing. Upon hearing what he had said, they looked at his direction, feeling unjust and fury. On the other hand, the school owner Chu Weicai was stunned by his words and he frowned.
Suddenly, a thought struck Lou Cheng as he recalled that vibe from the Professional Ninth Pin fighter.
Even though he was standing a distance away, Lou Cheng could even feel that himself being thrown into the wild and was faced with a ferocious wolf alone. How about Senior Dai who was in the front and had direct contact with him?
"…Or could it be that instigator which we've met just now had affected Senior Dai's spirit and left him with a sense of fear within, thus causing him to be unable to focus?" Lou Cheng murmured to himself.
To be able to affect one's spirit in such manner directly, that was no longer about body refining level in martial arts. It was supernatural ability!
This means that the man had purposely stirred trouble to create an opportunity for himself to affect Senior Dai's mentality? So that he could not perform his best during the tournament, and be defeated badly in front of the foundation chairman?
Furthermore, by using such method, no one can ever uncover the core of the issue, and there would be no explanation!
No wonder that incident had started off aggressively yet ended abruptly, which did not make any sense.
After he finished his sentence, he suddenly realized that there were many pairs of eyes looking at him as if he was someone of substance. He took a glance over, and discovered that Chu Weicai from Gushan Martial Arts School appeared to be in shock. He immediately recovered himself and questioned the disciple beside him softly.
Besides, a few pairs of eyes from Mingwei Martial Arts School were also looking in his direction. The school owner Ning Xunli slowly turned his head, and returned to his half opened eyes.
Just then, Dai Linfeng's action had apparently slowed down. Zhou Zhengyao seized this opportunity and gave a whip kick, which caused Dai Linfeng to lose his balance and broke his stance when he quickly retreated. Zhou Zhengyao retook the chance and moved forward to attack Dai Linfeng, causing him to fall off the arena!
"Zhou Zhengyao wins!" The referee announced the outcome.
Qiu Hailin, Cao Lele and the others turned towards Lou Cheng and stared at him. They were quite shocked by his "accurate foretelling."
"Cheng, ever since you've joined the Martial Arts Club, it seems like you've learned nothing but better foresight and explanation skills." Qiu Hailin joked.
Cao Lele joined in the fun and teased, "Even if you've not learned any martial arts, I think you can earn a living with these skills."
Before Lou Cheng could say a word, Jiang Fei, who was sitting beside him, immediately raised his voice and argued, "Cheng does not only have good foresight, great explanation skills, but also powerful martial arts! I believe he's as good as the one on stage!"
In an instance, everyone looked over in his direction. Some looked shocked, while others thought it was a joke, causing Lou Cheng to blush slightly. Jiang Fei forced a laugh, quickly toned down and added,
"I mean I feel that, just a feeling only."
Seeing Lou Cheng stared at him "in bitterness," Jiang Fei hurriedly whispered to him,
"You didn't say that I can't mention about your martial arts skill. I know, this kind of thing you can't possibly voice it out and show them off by yourself. That would be so cheesy and embarrassing. No problem, leave it to your brother, no need to thank me!"
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Chapter 83: Search Result
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Lou Cheng was stunned upon hearing it. He tried to recall seriously about the things he'd told Fatty Jiang and discovered that indeed, he had not reminded him not to mention about his steep advancement in martial arts. He had merely asked him to forget about the fight with that bunch of thugs.
Since Fatty Jiang had "admitted his mistake," the surrounding people burst into friendly laughter, as if they've finally found another entertainment other than the martial arts competition.
Forget it, I haven't plan to conceal the fact that my martial arts level is close to the professional level anyway. Since I might enter the final for the National University Martial Arts Competitions in the future, I won't be able to keep it a secret then as there is going to be satellite television broadcast on it. Just that it is not necessary for me to take the initiative to mention it in front of my high school classmates. If I were to meet anyone and said, "Hey, I've recently awakened my martial arts potential and in less than six months, not only had I obtained the strength of a professional, but I've also defeated two Mighty Ones that are of Ninth Pin." That will be too flaunting and high-profile, superficial and way too embarrassing…
Damn it, isn't this thinking same as what Fatty Jiang had just meant…
A thought flashed through Lou Cheng's mind. He restored his calmness and was completely at ease with the stares around him. He was not preparing to do any explanation, nor intending to prove to them. He'll just let them believe in what they wanted to believe in.
"Your feeling never seems to be accurate, Fatty Jiang… " Qiu Hailin mocked, her eyes swept over Lou Cheng and added, "Oh, then should we call you Master Lou now?"
Cao Lele also joined in and said, "I felt so honored that I've actually shared the same desk with a Master for two years!"
Seeing that most of the classmates were giving more or less the same attitude towards what he'd just said, Fatty Jiang became anxious and started to argue with them. Suddenly, Lou Cheng spoke up, his expression looked very serious,
"No, you should not call me that!"
Cao Lele, Cheng Qili, Du Liyu and the others were stunned, and thought that they had probably gone over the line. Just then, Qiu Hailin subconsciously asked, "Why?"
Lou Cheng suddenly burst into laughter,
"I am not that old, address me as young swordsman! Understand? Young swordsman Lou! "
Hahaha! Everyone burst into laughter. Jiang Fei's body fats were trembling vigorously as he bent forward and leaned backward, laughing and said, "Damn you Cheng, you are getting funnier."
Qiu Hailin, who was also laughing crazily, glanced at the person beside her and said, "Lele, was Cheng such a "joker" in the past?"
Since she was currently studying at Capital University, she had learned a few local slangs.
Cao Lele wiped the tears of joy from the corner of her eyes. "Even though he wasn't an introvert at that time, but neither was he this cheerful. He's really funny."
The laughter lasted for a while before the disciples from Gushan Martial Arts School and Mingwei Martial Arts School had their attentions back onto the arena. Gathering together to tell tales and shoot the bull were too substandard for them!
Just then, Dai Linfeng returned from the other side of the arena, his face appeared gloomy. It was as if he had understood that he had fallen into a trap, while the chairman of the foundation, Wei Renjie, had no choice but shook his head. He whispered a few words to Old Wu who sat beside him, stood up, then made a gesture to Lou Cheng and remarked,
"Unexpectedly, there seems to be someone among us today who is versed in both studies and martial arts. Lou Cheng, come over here and let's have a chat."
It seemed like the remarks provided by Lou Cheng for the previous battle was heard not only by his nearby classmates, but also by some of the disciples from the two schools who were trained to have accurate hearing skill and sharp eyesight, as well as by the school owners who were of Professional Ninth Pin. Due to the noisy environment, Wei Renjie had not noticed. However, he did manage to overhear Fatty Jiang's conversation in that loud voice, which sparked his curiosity, thus he asked Old Wu about Lou Cheng's name, school and other information in details.
The moment Wei Renjie's words were out, there were about two to three hundreds of pairs of eyes looking at Lou Cheng, making him the focus of the stadium. Qiu Hailin, Cao Lele, Du Liyu and the others had strange looks on their faces while concealing their concerns. They were worried that Wei Renjie would take their big talks and nonsensical jokes for real by treating Lou Cheng as an expert, ending up making a joke of themselves and caused them problems. Whereas for Tao Xiaofei and the disciples from the two schools looked as if they were taking pleasure from the situation. Who asked them to talk big? Now it's time for them to suffer from the consequences.
The disciple from Mingwei Martial Arts School, Yao Kang, who was always on the phone, found the situation interesting and spoke to someone about it on QQ for fun.
Lou Cheng deliberately "glared" at Jiang Fei before leaving his seat and walked towards the first row. He didn't have the slightest fear towards the chairman of the foundation, nor was he in awe of him.
Since he had yet stepped into the society, high positions such as officers and leaders were unfamiliar and fuzzy to him. He felt that it was reasonable for him to be afraid of people such as the counselors, lecturers, professors, principal, his martial arts master, and be in awe of the Mighty ones in martial arts. As for other people, as long as he didn't need their help, he believed that there was no need for him to be afraid of them, for newborn calves were never fear of tigers!
"Nice to meet you, Chairman." He greeted politely.
Wei Renjie pointed at Old Wu and Teacher Xin, chortled and said, "The two teachers were praising you just now, saying that you were very hardworking and had put in a lot of effort to obtain great results although you were falling behind everyone in the beginning. Hence you got into Songcheng University. Not bad, God helps those who help themselves. During my time when I tried to enter Xiushan No.1 Middle School from a rural junior high school, I was also lagging behind the world. While other students had six years of foreign language education, I had only three years. Other students had already started studying on senior high school's syllabus, yet I had difficulties in understanding any of them. However, I believe as long as one is willing to push oneself, work hard, and with the right method, one would be able to succeed as well."
Without waiting for Lou Cheng's response, Wei Renjie gave up a seat to him, gestured him to sit down, and casually added, "Heard that you've joined the Songcheng University Martial Arts Club, what's your level now?"
Lou Cheng thought for a while before answering "factually", "I've only trained for a semester."
Yeah, just for a semester. As for what's my outcome, that's a separate matter!
Meanwhile, the referee announced the beginning of the second match. The winner of the previous match, Zhou Zhengyao from Mingwei Martial Arts School, continued with the battle. His opponent was another one of Amateur First Pin from Gushan Martial Arts School, Kong Feiyue.
Wei Renjie asked as he was watching the match, "How are you feeling after training for a semester? Do you participate in real combat often?"
He already knew from Old Wu that Lou Cheng was a newbie in martial arts, and doubted that training for only a semester could bring him far. He understood that the students were just talking big and shooting the bull just now. The reason why he had invited Lou Cheng to come over was mainly to ask him about other matters.
"Our coach was specially invited by our principal. He was a Mighty Ones and was said to be physically invulnerable in the past. He is very professional in his teaching, for example, the Still Stance, he managed to let us understand the essence of it through jokes. As for real combats, I definitely don't have much experience," answered Lou Cheng honestly.
Upon hearing that the coach for Songcheng University Martial Arts Club was a Mighty Ones who used to be physically invulnerable, Wei Renjie seemed very interested. He grinned and commented, "Student Lou Cheng, could you share with me in details about how your coach usually arranged your training sessions and prepared you all for actual combat before joining the University Martial Arts Competitions? I was thinking years after the leadership and chief commander for the preliminaries are confirmed, we'll organize a mass training and actual combat practice to prepare for the next preliminaries. Thus I would like to consult you about the training experience in Songcheng University Martial Arts Club. Let's take this opportunity to interact and share ideas."
Seeing that his attitude was pleasant, Lou Cheng arranged his thoughts before answering,
"We normally need to attend classes, so we would only train from 8 a.m. to noon every day. However, according to our coach, the training can at most extend by another two to three hours, or we will easily injure ourselves should we continue to train when we are exhausted."
He continued, "Every time during our training, we'll practice in this order: Still Stance, Moving Stance, strength training at the gymnasium, footwork practice, fighting tactics training, then pair work drilling and practice."
"As for actual combat, before participating in the District University Martial Arts Competitions, the leading player, and the substitute will compete in a real combat under our coach's supervision. Usually, he will also allow us to participate in some nearby challenge tournaments for more experiences," added Lou Cheng.
…
Wei Renjie listened attentively and requested his secretary to note down certain details at times. After Lou Cheng was done, he said, "Not bad not bad, it's worth to learn from Songcheng University Martial Arts Club experience."
He then pinpointed on certain areas to ask. Lou Cheng would factually answer what he knew, and would honestly confess should he be unclear about some areas, not making up any stories in his response. By the time they finished discussing on this topic, the match on stage had also ended. After a round of fierce battle, Zhou Zhengyao had defeated Kong Feiyue, but since Zhou Zhengyao had consecutively fought for two matches, he was exhausted and initiated to quit from the contest.
In the third match, Shen Jinsong from Mingwei Martial Arts School versus Qin Rui from Gushan Martial Arts School. The former was of Amateur First Pin, while the latter was of Amateur Second Pin.
"Good luck, Qin Rui!" Under Qiu Hailin's lead, the students of Class 4 shouted and cheered loudly, which enabled Wei Renjie to keep in mind of this name directly, yet caused Qin Rui to slightly tremble with fear in the arena.
"He'd advanced pretty fast as well… " Lou Cheng thought to himself as he cheered for his classmate.
At the beginning of the second semester of the third year in high school, Qin Rui had just passed the ranking event and obtained Amateur Fourth Pin. Yet in less than 11 months, he had advanced by two Pin. This proved that he was indeed talented and hardworking. In addition, he was big and strong, where he had an advantage in the Amateur ranking.
After a fierce battle, Shen Jinsong, who was at a disadvantage regarding body size, had merely defeated the 1.9 meters tall Qin Rui. This outcome had disappointed Lou Cheng and other classmates, since they were Qin Rui's close friends.
After losing three matches, the people from Gushan Martial Arts School were very upset. The potential of both schools should be on par, but when things went wrong for their leading player, Dai Linfeng, it was only natural for them to suffer from a complete loss. Nevertheless, they still had to gather in front of Wei Renjie with the people from Mingwei Martial Arts School to accept the outcome.
After a long and magnificent speech, Wei Renjie took a glance at Lou Cheng who was beside him. A smile suddenly crossed his face. He pointed at Zhou Zhengyao from Mingwei Martial Arts School and said,
"My friend, Zhou, you had indeed cut a dash today. Here with me is a student who is versed in both studies and martial arts, but it seems like he is lack of actual combat practices. Since the referee is still here, how about you provide him with some guidance?"
He was very satisfied with Lou Cheng's honest answers to his questions previously, thus was hoping to help him gain some actual combat experience.
"Er… " Lou Cheng found this funny yet upsetting. "Am I even lack of such useless battle experience?"
Just then, Jiang Fei, who was behind them, started to cheer him on. He was very confident in Lou Cheng, after all Cheng would not lie. Since he said that he had the strength of Amateur First or Second Pin, it must be true. Even if he couldn't defeat Zhou Zhengyao, a battle with him could let the classmates acknowledge "Super Cheng's" power!
On the other hand, Tao Xiaofei and the others started to heckle as they were hoping to watch a "good show" from the battle.
Zhou Zhengyao thought it was absurd and couldn't hide his laughter, yet he couldn't disrespect Wei Renjie's decision. He walked towards Lou Cheng, extended his hand and introduced himself, "I'm Zhou Zhengyao, and how do I address you?"
"I'm Lou Cheng." Since things had come to this situation, Lou Cheng had nothing more to worry about. He will fight this battle.
Anyway it would be difficult for Wang Xu's enemy to suspect him, since the both of them hadn't contacted each other for more than three years. Even if they knew that his martial arts was good, chances for them to relate Wang Xu with him were low, as there were way too many people who were more suspicious than himself!
After the handshake, Zhou Zhengyao pointed towards to arena and said gentlemanly,
"You first."
Seeing the two of them walking towards the arena, the disciple who kept playing his phone, Yao Kang, from Mingwei Martial Arts School saw the reply from his online friend, "Perhaps that guy is really an expert?"
"An expert?" Yao Kang smelt a rat and conveniently opened his browser, went to the web search engine and typed "Lou Cheng".
After a click, the search result appeared. He gasped all of a sudden, because there was "Lou Cheng" private forum in the search result!
"Don't tell me that's him?" Yao Kang clicked in and saw the two IDs, "Eternal Nightfall" and "Brahman", all over the forum. Under the forum title, there was an eye-catching photo, which showed exactly that guy!
As Yao Kang's face started to turn green slightly, he then discovered a video in one of the posts. He immediately clicked in and chose to view it.
Lou Cheng VS Ye Youting
While watching the video, his face turned pale and he started to perspire heavily in the cold winter. Without thinking much, he shouted,
"Senior Zhou, don't compete!"
All of a sudden, everyone kept silent as they stared blankly at him in astonishment, as if they were all looking at a lunatic.
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"Senior Zhou, don't compete!"
Yao Kang's shrieking voice echoed in the small martial arts stadium, which had attracted everyone's attention. Everyone was confused at how agitated, panicked and terrified this Mingwei Martial Arts School disciple was. Neither did they understand the reason for him to stop this friendly teaching match.
Zhou Zhengyao was already in the arena, so was Lou Cheng, who stood on the other side of the referee. The talk time was nearing the end but he had not spoken a word. He wanted the newbie in front of him to adjust his mood and be prepared for this battle.
Just then, he heard the commotion at the seating area which made him turn his head. He frowned, revealing a doubtful expression, yet feeling terrified within.
What happened?
Seeing that the foundation chairman, Wei Renjie, had also noticed the commotion, the owner of Mingwei Martial Arts School, Ning Xunli, suppressed his feeling and questioned the disciple with a stern face, "Yao Kang, why are you shouting? What happened?"
Don't, don't compete in this match!
The guy opposite you is not a cat, it's a ferocious tiger! He's not a noob. He's someone who had used fearsome attacks to defeat a Mighty Ones at the level of Professional Ninth Pin!
This is a trap! A trap that will let Senior Zhou make a fool of himself in front of the chairman!
Thoughts flashed across Yao Kang's mind, but subconsciously, he knew that he couldn't say these words in the open, or they would fall right into another trap. For example, if the chairman became interested in Lou Cheng's martial arts level, he might continue with the teaching match, but the roles played by both parties would be switched.
What should I do? Under the pressure of everyone's attention, he got panicked and frustrated. He had perspired heavily till his vest was drenched. He felt that looking at Lou Cheng was like watching a devil. He stuttered his reply, and knew that he would soon be reprimanded for his action.
Suddenly, an idea came to his mind. He replied, looking terrified,
"Master, Senior Zhou, something happened to our school! The disciples at school couldn't contact us, so they sent me a message on QQ, asking us to return immediately! Let's talk about it on our way!"
Ning Xunli and Zhou Zhengyao gasped upon hearing the news, and many wild guesses ran through their minds because Yao Kang didn't seem to be lying!
"Chairman, something had happened to our school. Could we postpone the match to next time?" Ning Xunli didn't wish to delay further by questioning for more details. He looked at Wei Renjie.
Wei Renjie frowned slightly, before he returned to his neutral expression, nodded and said, "Since something had happened, you all can go. If you need more help, just contact Huang directly."
Huang was his secretary.
Zhou Zhengyao stared helplessly at Lou Cheng. He thought of taking this opportunity to play up to the chairman, but now he could only force a smile and said, "Student Lou, we'll fight another time."
Lou Cheng was unclear about what had happened, but he politely told him, "No problem."
Mingwei Martial Arts School was an old established school. What kind of bad things could have happened?
In less than a minute, under the lead of "panic-stricken" Yao Kang, the people from Mingwei Martial Arts School hurriedly left Beiyuan martial arts stadium, leaving Lou Cheng and the referee standing in the arena.
Seeing that his classmates' attention were back on him, Lou Cheng spread open his arms, gave a helpless self-mockery smile and said,
"What a pity, seems like no one can see Young Hero Lou's charm today."
Hahaha! Most of the classmates laughed upon hearing him, while others unconsciously revealed a smile on their faces as they felt that Lou Cheng had responded to the situation well with humor, which simply diffused the awkward situation.
"Cheng, I find that you have a talent for crosstalk!" Du Liyu teased at Lou Cheng, who was returning from the arena.
"Yes, you are such a comedian," Cao Lele added.
Lou Cheng shook his head, and responded earnestly, "No no no, you all are wrong. If you mean crosstalk, I am at most a supporting character. I know of someone who is the lead character, whose skills are far greater than mine."
"Were you serious about my jokes?" Cao Lele and the others burst into laughter again. The atmosphere became unexpectedly relaxed.
After Qiu Hailin laughed for a moment, she acted as if she was really disappointed and remarked, "It was indeed a pity to be unable to see Young Hero Lou's great martial arts skills today. When will you have the time to perform for us again?"
"If I have the opportunity," Lou Cheng replied, grinning with his heart still as water.
Jiang Fei, who was beside him, felt really disappointed with the outcome and whispered, "I am waiting to help you to show off your skills, but it's really a pity. Of all times, something chose to happen to Mingwei Martial Arts School at this time."
After this incident, all Class 4 students knew that their once-not-so-cheerful "scholar" in class, Lou Cheng, had become a glib talker, a man with a sense of humor, fun-loving, very interesting and seemed to know a few martial arts.
Wei Renjie returned to the city after the group left Beiyuan, while the class gathering continued. Tao Xiaofei pulled Old Wu and his gang to the chess room, while Du Liyu, Xiong Tao and the others went to play basketball. A group of guys tried all means to gather some of the girls for table tennis and badminton matches, and a few of them chose to take a stroll outside in the chilly weather. Lou Cheng, Jiang Fei and Cheng Qili went for the free karaoke session.
Jiang Fei had also convinced Qiu Hailin, Cao Lele and a few girls to join them after Lou Cheng hinted to him that they should create an opportunity for their "Prince of Love Songs", which was how they addressed Cheng Qili in private.
While listening to Cheng Qili singing the oldies "The Most Beautiful" with great emotions, and looking at the few girls discussing softly among themselves, Lou Cheng did not have an urge to snatch over the microphone. Instead, he sat at a corner, leaning on the sofa, took out his phone and sent a message to Yan Zheke with a "snickering" emoji, "I almost make a hit today!"
A while later, Yan Zheke sent a "sitting in daze" emoji and questioned, "Is it you managed to teach some thugs a lesson when they chased the girls in your class and kept on harassing them? Or someone confessed to the girl you secretly loved, and you got mad. Thus you stood out in time and despoiled the marriage, I mean, despoiled her?"
"… What kind of wild guesses are you making!" Lou Cheng used an ellipsis to express his feeling.
Aren't you the one that I am secretly in love with?
Just then, the song verse echoed in the room, "You are the most beautiful in my heart."
Yan Zheke sent him a "covered mouth" emoji, smiled and said, "I thought that's what normally written in novels, no?"
"Seriously, what kind of novels are you reading?" Lou Cheng replied, with a "dazed" emoji.
Yan Zheke sent a "proud grin with shiny teeth" emoji and responded, "Love novels! You got a problem with that?"
"No, no problem. Who dare to have a problem with it, I will beat him up!" Lou Cheng flattered her before moving on to the main topic and added, "Did I mention before that Xiushan wanted to organize a team for preliminaries?"
"Yup, your classmate who is with Gushan Martial Arts School is challenging Mingwei Martial Arts School at Beiyuan Conference Villa, and had invited you guys to go there to support him. Don't tell me you have challenged the two schools? That's not your style… " Yan Zheke said, with a "pushing my spectacles up" emoji.
She does understand me well… Lou Cheng felt pleased and smiled even wider. He remarked, "No one knows me better than Coach Yan!" We were on our way to Beiyuan with the people from Gushan Martial Arts School when we met a Professional Ninth Pin expert. He purposely found trouble with us and initiated a fight with Senior Dai from Gushan Martial Arts School."
"A Professional Ninth Pin expert? Eh, could he be the Professional Ninth Pin one who had attacked your childhood friend that night? Else how do you consecutively meet two young Professional Ninth Pin fighters at Xiushan?" Yan Zheke commented with a "sat down in deep thoughts" emoji.
Lou Cheng sent a "gasped" emoji and replied, "Could there be such a coincidence? Since New Year is around the corner, it should be common for those Professional Ninth Pin fighters who are working outside to return home for New Year."
Yan Zheke used a "Who am I, where am I, what am I doing" emoji and replied, "But I doubted that this isn't a pure coincidence. I recalled that the next morning after your childhood friend's pub was attacked by the Professional Ninth Pin, Gushan Martial Arts School had received a letter of challenge from Mingwei Martial Arts School, and thus the competition was held today. On the way, you all met a Professional Ninth Pin who tried to cause trouble. How could all these be pure coincidence?"
"Oh, now that you mentioned, it is indeed possible… Wang Xu told me that no one was dead that day, and the incident was suppressed. If so, that Professional Ninth Pin is really daring to wander around like this… " Lou Cheng tried to recall the details again and realized that what Yan Zheke had analyzed was indeed logical. He was totally impressed and praised her from the bottom of his heart, "What a wise woman Coach Yan is!"
It seemed like Wang Xu's enemy was closely related to Mingwei Martial Arts School. Since the Professional Ninth Pin had failed his mission to attack that night, they thought of making good use of him for the preliminaries!
Yan Zheke sent a "grinning in smug satisfaction with my white and shiny teeth" emoji and responded, "Now you know my talent in analyzing? I am someone who's read numerous detective novels and comics such as Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, Kindachi and Konan. A Mighty one who've mastered a thousand seven hundred and eighty-five locked-room mystery methods!"
"Are there this many locked-room mystery methods?" Lou Cheng asked subconsciously. He was also once an addict to such detective novels.
Yan Zheke sent him a "guffawing with hands on the hips" emoji and added, "Never mind about the details. Please address me as Great Detective!"
"Alright alright, Ms Great Detective!" Lou Cheng flattered her with a "bow to the ground" emoji.
"I've yet to reach the age for you to address me as "Ms"… but calling me "Student" doesn't sound serious either… " Yan Zheke commented with a "I'm so baffled" emoji.
An idea struck Lou Cheng as he sent an "evil grin" and responded, "Then I shall address you as Great Detective Fairy!"
"Hahaha… " Yan Zheke seemed speechless with his response.
Beside him was Fatty Jiang, who took a glance at Lou Cheng, then turned to look at Cao Lele and Qiu Hailin who were singing a duet. He tsk-tsked and said, "Cheng, your smile is damn, eh, how should I put in, disgusting!"
"You can also find a girl to be disgusting with if you are capable of it." Lou Cheng mocked at the forever alone Jiang Fei.
Upon hearing his words, Jiang Fei was stunned, he could feel an icy-cold breeze blowing towards him, injuring him by ten thousand damage points.
Lou Cheng didn't bother with him, as Yan Zheke finally replied, "… I guess it's fine as well… so what happened next?"
With a face filled with happiness, Lou Cheng rapidly typed his words, "That Professional Ninth Pin did not beat up Senior Dai as I expected, and instead, he brushed past Senior Dai and left swiftly. At that moment I was using the Condensation Stance and I felt as though I was situated in a deserted wild land facing a fierce wolf. At first, I didn't care much for it. However, when I saw how timid Senior Dai had become during the competition, and that he seemed to have a hard time focusing, I then suspected that it might be the Professional Ninth Pin's doing. His supernatural ability could affect one's mind and spirit without one knowing it, and he had planted a fear within Senior Dai, causing him to lose."
"… It might not be supernatural ability. Both 'Secret Killing Method' and 'Dark Infinite Sutra' have a similar arcane spiritual momentum, which are very strange. Eh, a simple yet inaccurate way of saying is that both of them are unique skills from the 'Death Sect' and the 'Dark Sect'," said Yan Zheke with a "I am dead serious" emoji.
This was the first time Lou Cheng heard of such things, so he was surprized and flattered her with admiration, "You really know a lot, Coach Yan!"
Yan Zheke sent a "snickering" emoji and said, "I had a weak body in the past, so I had no hope for martial arts. I then became paranoid about things related to it. Though I am interested in it, I wouldn't specially go to Grandpa's book shelves to look for such books. However, now that I've straightened out my thinking, I believe that even if I can't enter Danjing, as long as I'm of Professional Ninth Pin and be able to work my way up to the National Martial Arts Championship with everyone, it will also be great. Hence, I became interested in Grandpa's book shelves again, and would read some of his books from time to time."
…
On a middle-sized bus going downhill, Zhou Zhengyao glared at Yao Kang and said with his deep low voice,
"So what happened? Nothing had happened to the school at all!"
He had already called back to check with the disciples who were stationed at school!
Yao Kang passed his handphone over and said, "Senior Zhou, take a look at these videos. They are videos of that student, Lou Cheng, in a competition."
His face looked slightly pale, as he was still feeling terrified. However, his eyes revealed a sense of satisfaction since he felt that he had managed to save his martial arts school from falling into a trap.
Zhou Zhengyao looked at him suspiciously as he watched the videos with other disciples. Seeing that the school was safe and because of his status at school, Ning Xunli sat calmly at the side, waiting for them to report to him.
While watching, Zhou Zhengyao raised his head all of a sudden and looked at Yao Kang with a horrified expression. He blurted out,
"Is this really that Lou Cheng?"
Putting Lou Cheng aside, that Professional Ninth Pin young lady, who was his opponent, was already strong enough to beat the sh*t out of him just by seeing her power. What was more to say about that Lou Cheng who had defeated her with his rage attacks?
The outcome would be unimaginable if they were to proceed on with the teaching match!
Yao Kang recalled what he saw from the videos, shivered and replied,
"I've checked on his information, that's him… "
"This is a trap for us to fall into!"
The more Ning Xunli listened to them, the more he was confused. He immediately commanded, "Give me that phone."
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Chapter 85: Scaring Oneself
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
As this was the first time they have met such an expert as their opponent, Zhou Zhengyao, Yao Kang and other disciples could not help but tremble at the thought of it. Long gone were their arrogance and their ruthlessness on their faces, as they slowly looked more like their real ages. They held their breath as they looked at their master, Ning Xunli, with rapt attention, waiting for him to make the judgment.
The first competition video which Ning Xunli had watched was the one where Lou Cheng fought against Ye Youting. The first few minutes of the battle did not shock him, but when Lou Cheng suddenly started his rage attacks, it looked as if thousands of years of accumulated snow had collapsed down onto the opponent, which struck everyone with fear. This had instantly caught his attention which cleared his usual blurry vision as he unconsciously let out a sigh of disbelief.
"This kind of outburst… was it a final skill that he had left after draining all his energy, or was it an awakening of his potential?" he murmured to himself. He did not say much after that as he quickly closed that video and watched other battle videos that were available—Lou Cheng VS Zhou Yuanning, Lou Cheng VS Wang Ye, Lou Cheng VS Wu Shitong, Lou Cheng VS Jin Tao.
While watching, Ning Xunli gasped and said,
"Mercurial balance, mercurial balance, he had mastered mercurial balance! This means his meditation skill had reached the highest stage?"
"Listening skill… This listening skill is not something to be overlooked as well… "
"To be able to consecutively carry out so many f*cking series of 24 Blizzard Strikes, he must be, must be a freak!"
Every sentence that he blurted out in awe had struck Zhou Zhengyao and other disciples hard on their chests like a drum, causing blood to gradually drained from all their faces, and their expressions stiffened with dismay.
The handphone's display screen darkened as it auto-locked itself. Ning Xunli kept silent for a long time. When the middle-sized bus turned into the SC district, he looked at Yao Kang, handed the phone to him and said, "Not bad, you had done well this time. Your reaction was pretty fast then."
After praising Yao Kang, he sighed and said to all his disciples,
"Gushan Martial Arts School is really something, never thought that they could be so cunning to dig a trap for us to fall in. Luckily Yao was alert and discovered it, or all our efforts would have gone down the drain."
Else why would they hire a fighter of Professional Ninth Pin with unique abilities to interfere their opponent's leading player? It was for them to defeat Gushan Martial Arts School in front of Chairman Wei Renjie so that they could leave a deep impression in his mind and also win over more sponsors for future preliminaries. This would not only help them regarding finance, but also their standing in Xiushan martial arts community, which would provide them with a lot of benefits.
As such, a condition was stated that the martial arts school which had won in the preliminary would have a higher chance of obtaining the dominant right for the next preliminary. With the government's support, and numerous sponsorship available, the school would easily become Xiushan's uncrowned "Master of the Martial Arts Realm".
Say if Zhou Zhengyao had got the limelight just now and was immediately snatched over by Lou Cheng, how would Chairman Wei Renjie think of the situation?
Zhou Zhengyao, who was still in a shocking state, patted on Yao Kang's shoulder and said, "I used to think that Yao Kang's addiction to the internet was a bad thing, but now I realize that everything has its pros."
After Yao Kang was continuously flattered by both his master and his strongest senior, he felt that he was on cloud nine, and he blurted out, "It's also lucky that we had set a trap to defeat Gushan Martial Arts School, or it is unimaginable how the outcome will be like. Just now what they did was just putting hopes on making great losses on both sides."
"Master, from the videos, what do you think is Lou Cheng's level? as, as compared with that person?" Zhou Zhengyao asked. Though he felt a sense of relief, he could not hide his curiosity.
Ning Xunli pondered and spoke, "His body has not reached the level of Professional Ninth Pin."
"How could it be? Then how could he defeat a Professional Ninth Pin opponent?" A disciple cried out, not believing what he had just heard.
Ning Xunli's vision became blurry again as he sighed and spoke, "This's a direct intuitive feeling you get when you are still young and inexperienced. If you all can get to meet with more young and strong Professional Ninth Pin fighters, and not a sickly old man like me, then I'm sure you all will be clear about Lou Cheng's situation. As long as he hadn't exhibited the power of 'Danqi State', it'll be easy for us determine his level."
"Haiz, I guess all of you will need to participate in preliminaries. Even if there isn't any funding, all of you should also participate. Else if you all keep staying in a small place like Xiushan and never meet any experts from the outside, it'll only limit your exposure."
Seeing that his master spoke with much certainty, Zhou Zhengyao chose to believe him. He pondered and asked, "Then how did he defeat the Professional Ninth Pin?"
Do I have the chance to defeat him as well?
"I guess he is talented in both meditation skill and physical strength. The former had allowed him to acquire a strong listening skill and the ability of mercurial balance, which is the basis of Danqi State. The latter helps him to carry out his strongest strikes without having to worry about the lack of strength. As long as he is capable of executing his potential to restrain his opponent, there's nothing strange about him winning the battle." Ning Xunli sighed and added, "Zhengyao, don't look down on him just because he doesn't have a body quality of a Professional Ninth Pin. If he and you were to battle, there's only one outcome, which is you being defeated. As for how terrible the defeat will be, it's dependable on how you perform in the battle."
Zhou Zhengyao felt a sense of relief again and commented, "It's lucky that we didn't fight, else the outcome will be unimaginable… "
And that will be too embarrassing!
Seeing that Yao Kang and other disciples looked at him with their curious yet frightened eyes, Ning Xunli continued, "Well, if compare him with that person, I'm not too sure how his last outburst comes about so it will be hard to make any judgment. I can only say that person's potential is far greater than his."
The disciples nodded their heads as everyone had different thoughts on their minds. All of a sudden, Zhou Zhengyao's expression changed as he said in a deep voice, "Will Gushan Martial Arts School promote him as the chief commander for the preliminaries? He had graduated from No.1 Middle School, it is very likely that he's an expert born and bred in Xiushan!"
If that's the case, all the hard work that his master, his fellow disciples and him had put in to stand an advantage in this preliminary will gone down the drain.
The teams formed for the preliminaries would need to seek for the chief commander's opinion!
This fact suddenly awakened Yao Kang and the other disciples. They had never expected Gushan Martial Arts School to strike at the root of the trouble, and this caused them to feel a sense of panic. According to their original plan, they had thought of making use of this dominant right after obtaining it, by electing the Professional Mighty Ones that they had good relationships with for future preliminaries.
"Master, do you need us to contact some of the Professional Mighty Ones from Xiushan?" One disciple quickly asked.
Ning Xunli waved his hand, and his eyes remained calm as he uttered, "No hurry, to determine the chief commander at such early stage won't benefit any of the martial arts schools, and all of you just go and think about is yourself. Furthermore, Lou Cheng won't accept the offer of being the chief commander."
"Why? Why are you so certain about it since you don't know him, Master?" Yao Kang asked, feeling puzzled.
Ning Xunli sniggered and explained. "For a person who has the capability of a professional fighter in 18 years old, and has acquired with the talent of meditation and physical strength, do you think this kind of people will be bothered with being the chief commander for the preliminaries in a small place like Xiushan? Moreover, he's attending a college located outside of Xiushan, isn't it tiring for him to return here once or twice every week?"
"Money makes the mare go… as long as the conditions fit his needs, and this is for the team in his hometown, why not? Afterall, the purpose of studying in college is to earn more money, isn't it?" Zhou Zhengyao rebutted with a frown.
Ning Xunli responded calmly, "His skill, 24 Blizzard Strikes, has already reached a pretty high standard. It's obvious that he has inherited it from someone and this skill definitely can be developed even further. If he needs more actual combat experience, there're a lot of other ways, and for now, he needn't worry much about money as well."
"Alright, let's not talk about this matter in future. I suppose he had helped Gushan Martial Arts School because of his classmate, Qin Rui. With great potential and skill inheritance, there's a possibility that he might become a high-ranked Dan State shortly. If we're unable to make him join us, we shouldn't offend him either. Since we'll not be in the same community for a long period, there'll not be any conflict of interest, why cause unnecessary disputes due to personal feelings? Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Zhou Zhengyao, Yao Kang and other disciples solemnly nodded their heads and replied, "Understood!"
Honestly, after realizing that a young chap like Lou Cheng could be so powerful, Zhou Zhengyao, as one of the young generation experts in Xiushan, felt fear, envy, and hatred. He was worried that someone would snatch his limelight and take over his position. Now that he had heard his master's explanation, he felt peace at once, and had even felt respectful towards Lou Cheng.
Yeah, we won't be in the same community, what's there to dispute about?
Meanwhile, Ning Xunli half-closed his eyes once more, as always. In his heart, he sighed and thought to himself,
Of course, you guys won't be in the same community, how can a sparrow and a swan belong to the same community?
…
Inside the free KTV room at the conference villa, under Jiang Fei's and Lou Cheng's persuasion and disturbance, Qiu Hailin had gracefully sang an oldie with Cheng Qili, their beautiful and unique voices echoed in the room.
While listening to the song, Lou Cheng kept his handphone in his hand. He was chatting with Yan Zheke about the prior incident and was about to come to the end of that topic. "It's a pity that something had happened to Mingwei Martial Arts School at that moment, or I would have the chance to show off my power to my classmates, and let them be amazed!"
Yan Zheke sent a "covering mouth" emoji, smiled and replied, "That's right, that's right. I am still waiting for Young Hero Lou to make a brilliant appearance that amazed the whole of Xiushan, and let me take pride in it. By then, I'd be able to prove to those classmates who did not believe me and tell them, See! Look at this! Lou Cheng from next door is that genius I've told you about!"
"Damn, I've just missed such opportunity like this." Lou Cheng cried as he purposely sent an emoji that showed one beating the chest and stomping the feet.
Yan Zheke replied with a "touching one's head" emoji, "Actually it's also good not to fight. If you've gotten yourself into the dispute between the martial arts schools and the choosing of dominance right for the preliminaries matter, I believe it'll be very troublesome. Oh yeah, what are you doing? Is the classmate gathering fun?"
"What am I doing? Chatting with you, of course!" Lou Cheng sent "an evil grin" and added, "The interesting thing about classmate gathering is actually to gather together to chit chat, talking about the past and rumors that were spread during school days."
Yan Zheke replied with a "sitting in dazed and nodding her head" emoji, "Yup, sometimes I really miss the life in high school. Does this mean that we are getting old, since the older you get, the more you miss the past… "
"I feel that it's more of feeling reluctant to change your life and your old self." Lou Cheng joked while trying hard not to laugh.
Miss, you are only 18!
Some more, you're almost a year younger than me. My birthday is 2 February, whereas yours is 9 December!
Come to think of it, it's almost my birthday…
During Yan Zheke's birthday, he had only wished her a happy birthday as their relationship was yet this close, and he did not dare to give her any present…
"Nice saying… but don't you think of avoiding my question. I was asking what you are all playing now!" Yan Zheke demanded and purposely sent him "a furious face".
Lou Cheng snickered and replied, "Fatty Jiang and the others are singing karaoke, while I am sitting at a corner chatting with you."
"Heehee, why aren't you singing? Thought you mentioned that you're a Mic King?" Yan Zheke asked, laughing.
Lou Cheng thought for a moment before he carefully replied with an ambiguous flirtatious answer, "You got to know your priorities right. How is singing karaoke more important than chatting with you?"
Yan Zheke sent "an evil grin" without saying much.
They chatted for a while, before her responses started to slow down. This was because she had followed her relatives to fetch her parents, who were finally on leave and had flown to Jiangnan to join them. Also, she had missed her parents. As such, Lou Cheng was left with nothing to do.
Just then, two figures stood in front of him. Qiu Hailin and Cao Lele saw that he had finally put down his phone, came over to chat with him, "Cheng, chatting with your girlfriend? Till you don't even join us in singing anymore?"
As the voices reverberated in the room, they had to come closer to converse.
"Haha, not yet my girlfriend but soon. Still working on it." Lou Cheng told them honestly, as he felt that there was no need for him to keep it a secret that he was in love with a girl, though he did not mention Yan Zheke's name to avoid any embarrassing situation.
Qiu Hailin made an "oh" sound and added, "Then you got to work hard on it, our Du Liyu is already attached. Come on, join us, and don't just keep listening to us singing!"
"Yeah, Cheng, come, sing duet with me for the 'Little Apple'." Jiang Fei joined them in the commotion during the intervals between songs.
Lou Cheng smiled without rejecting the offer, stood up and took over the microphone.
After singing a few songs, he felt that the air in the room was stuffy, so he went out to get some fresh air.
Gazing at his back, Qiu Hailin huddled beside Cao Lele, sighed with emotion and whispered, "Cheng looked really different."
"Haha, not as much as you." Cao Lele joked.
Qiu Hailin shook her head and said, "Not the same, not the same. I've only changed my style of dressing which makes me look different, but his changes are from inside-out, making him a man of mettle!"
"True, I've shared desk with Lou Cheng for two years. I don't consider him as a boring person since you can still talk and joke with him, but he's totally different now. Last time he seemed to be lack of self-confidence, lack of generosity when handling matters and lack of courage." Cao Lele recalled. She was an observant lady.
Qiu Hailin teased, "Why, do you fancy him? Too bad, your partner has a target now."
"Eww! Impossible! I prefer beautiful guys!" Cao Lele retorted, giggling.
…
Walking out of the room and through the lounge, Lou Cheng had finally reached outside. The cold breeze blew against his face, making him feel energized again.
Not far from him, Qin Rui squatted by the frozen pond, smoking a cigarette. He appeared gloomy.
"What's up? Haven't got over it?" Lou Cheng strolled over and asked.
Qin Rui sighed and grumbled. "Yeah… I know you are going to advise me that victory and defeat are common fares for soldiers, but no matter what I'm still feeling depressed about it."
"No no no, I'm not going to advise you on this. Defeated means defeated, how can it be common? What I want to advise you is, to be conscious of shame is near to fortitude. Now that you know the pain of being defeated, you should work hard, and not stay here to smoke a cigarette." Lou Cheng advised, recalling his feeling from before.
Qin Rui was stunned as he turned his head, stared at Lou Cheng and answered, "Why, I feel that what you said is right."
"Haha, great, since you've decided to work hard, then start off by quitting smoking. Smoking will damage your lungs, and you clearly know how important lungs are for martial arts practitioners." Lou Cheng added.
Of course, it was up to them whether they wanted to heed his advice. He would not force his way.
"Right!" Qin Rui silenced for a while, put out his cigarette and a determined expression was shown on his face. He said, "Cheng, I'll address you Cheng as well. Don't mind about Tao Xiaofei, he's a person with good nature, but tends to be insensitive towards others' feelings."
"Relax, I don't mind all these." Lou Cheng replied calmly.
After both chatted for a while, Qin Rui's morale was boosted once again and was anxious to continue his martial arts practice. He said to Lou Cheng, "Now that I've already met our classmates, chatted and drank with them, I suppose this gathering is worth coming to. I think that's all for today. You help me inform our ex-monitress that I'll go back first. Haha, since my martial arts school had lost in the competition, I guess it's better for me to stay with them today."
"Sure, be careful on your way." Lou Cheng replied.
Before leaving, Qin Rui teased,
"It's a pity that we aren't able to see Young Hero Lou's charm today. Do show it to us next time."
He boarded the cab, which he had pre-booked online, and entered the main city of Xiushan. He returned home before heading towards Gushan Martial Arts School. Just when he passed by Mingwei Martial Arts School, he saw Zhou Zhengyao walking out of the school.
"Sh*t, I should have made a detour… " Qin Rui felt that he would be mocked at, or even be pissed by Zhou Zhengyao's arrogance, yet he was certain that he wouldn't be able to win him should they started a fight.
"Hey, Qin Rui, your classmate gathering is over?" Upon seeing Qin Rui, Zhou Zhengyao was stunned, but instantly greeted him with a grin on his face.
Qin Rui gave a bored expression and said, "Nah, I came back early."
Mind your business!
Zhou Zhengyao tried hard to maintain the friendly smile on his face, as he continued, "Your skill weren't bad just now, just that you were too panicked. You should be able to improve if you can control your temper better. Alright, I got to go, chat with you more next time."
"… " Qin Rui was too surprized to say a word. This was the first time he saw Zhou Zhengyao being friendly towards him.
Gazing after Zhou Zhengyao's receding figure which diminished at the opposite side of the road, he finally came out of his trance, touched his own face, and cursed,
"Crazy bastard!"
That's gibberish!
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Chapter 86: Geezer Shi's Plan
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Watching Qin Rui walk off, Lou Cheng turned his gaze onto the frozen pool in front of him.
Indistinct noises came from all around: Mahjong's clatter, vague songs, a basketball hitting the ground, and students' laughter. Looking at his reflection on the pool surface, Lou Cheng felt as if he had never left high school.
When his facial contour was still soft…
When he was lean, weak, and always felt tired…
At that time, Lou Cheng was timid and ungenerous. He was not an introverted boy aloof with strangers, but he tended to think too much. "Will my words be proper or open to different interpretations?" "Will I leave a bad impression on him or her?" Having so much to worry about, Lou Cheng got nervous dealing with others, which in turn worsened his performance at school…
But for now, thanks to the good example Little Ming had set, the spiritual stimulation martial arts practice had given him, and all the confidence he had gained in every Challenge Tournament, Lou Cheng realized that sometimes he needn't think or care too much about other people's opinions. Just as an irresolute and hesitant warrior would fail his tournament, many times the idea that one wished to bring across was more critical than what was being said, which aided one to express confidence and sincerity. Of course, a little sense of humor would help.
Recalling old times, Lou Cheng became gradually lost in the ups and downs of memory. He found peace of mind here in the cold wind, while his schoolfellows were still enjoying themselves in singing, basketball, playing cards, and mountain climbing.
Familiar voices came from all around and echoed in Lou Cheng's mind. He felt as if he was a high school boy again.
High school life was hard and oppressive. It began with the early self-study at dawn and usually continued far into the night. Completing homework after school in the classroom was popular since they could discuss it with other classmates. Countless test papers and examinations had consumed their youth time, making it pale and dull.
When negative impressions subsided with time, happy memories emerged. Whether it was getting good grades through hard work, finishing homework early for more leisure time, or chatting in class while the teacher wasn't looking, these memories had been shimmering in Lou Cheng's mind.
He remembered the joy of taking time to romp between classes, the satisfaction of secretly gazing at Yan Zheke during martial art exercises, and all that the teachers had done to help them and cheer them up.
He also remembered the excitement of occasionally leaving school to visit the internet bar with Jiang Fei and Cheng Qili during the lunch hour, the fanaticism of collecting martial arts masters' posts as their big idol, the crazy deed of sleeping till noon on weekends, and the fulfillment of reading novels at break off and on.
Bits and pieces of the past raced through Lou Cheng's mind, which felt like yesterday once more.
His high school life and youth would never come back.
Bathing in the cold wind, Lou Cheng gave a short laugh as someone's words suddenly occurred to him: Humans are vulgar animals, faced with the unknown present, they would swallow them like hungry beasts without tasting or chewing. Only when everything was blown over, would they look back upon the past and discover the happiness that was once ignored, but would never happen again.
No wonder the theme of rebirth was popular in the novel market. Sometimes we only want to recall our old days, rather than change history.
Having stood by the lake for a long while, Lou Cheng calmed his mind and got back to the KTV box, where he sang and chatted with Yan Zheke off and on. At four o'clock, the group found it very stuffy in the box, so they decided to go out for a walk. The young ladies and gentlemen began to share old anecdotes, possibly because the beautiful mountain scenery and fresh air had evoked powerful emotions in them.
At five thirty, the tour bus came to pick up the group. They had a whole roast lamb for dinner when they got back to Xiushan. After, they went home separately.
During dinner, while his fellows were busy talking, hearing, frolicking or whispering, Lou Cheng took the chance to pig out.
In the end, Qiu Hailin, who was sitting at Old Wu's table stood up, holding a glass with a shallow layer of red wine in it.
Looking around, she noticed Lou Cheng's table and suddenly burst out laughing.
"Fatty Jiang, what a good appetite you have. How much mutton have you consumed? There's still plenty of it on the other tables. No wonder you grow so fat!"
Fatty Jiang took a glance full of grievance at Lou Cheng. "I haven't eaten that much at all," he thought, "and I've been chatting, drinking, and boasting!"
It was always useful to pass the buck to your brother… Lou Cheng gave him a silent pat on the shoulder.
Having attracted all the attention in the room, Qiu Hailin began proposing a toast in her brisk voice.
"At the beginning of the gathering, we drank a toast to Teacher Wu and Teacher Xin. So let's end it with another toast to each other and ourselves. Having been together for three years, or rather two years for those who had transferred to this class only in Year 2, we've spent hundreds or thousands of days together, longer than the times we've had with our parents. Now we're going to part and commence to new beginnings, and there won't be many chances for us to meet again. But I know we'll always keep this friendship in mind, along with the memories we share."
"Remember to smile when we meet again. May our friendship last forever. Cheers!"
She was really worth a member of the speech club… Lou Cheng smiled and raised his glass.
He had just known through chatting that Qiu Hailin had joined the speech club in Capital College.
"Cheers!"
Having finished their drinks, everyone looked excited yet a little sad.
When the group excused themselves and went home one after another, only four of them remained. Lou Cheng and Jiang Fei were waiting for Cheng Qili, who stuck to the end for more chances to chat with Qiu Hailin. In front of them were tables scattered with empty glasses and trays as a familiar sight after a banquet, breaking their sweet dreams.
Looking at the room with mixed feelings, Lou Cheng exhaled and turned to leave like the last one remaining here.
That was the end of his memory…
As to the past reproof was useless. There was no time like the present!
Like Cheng Qili's pursuing Qiu Hailin.
Like his pursuing Yan Zheke.
…
The end of January soon came with New Year's Eve.
While Lou Chen's parents were preparing for visiting his grandfather, he walked into the balcony and took a photo of the leek he planted in a flowerpot.
He would spend the evening with his family while chatting with Yan Zheke and sending blessing messages to classmates and friends like Little Ming. So he only a little time this afternoon to call his master to wish him a happy new year.
After a few beeps, Lou Cheng heard the familiar husky voice. "Good boy. I hadn't expected you to call me."
"Yup! Happy New Year!" Lou Cheng replied happily.
"I'm not happy at all!" Geezer Shi complained, "They always control me, and I have to hide my smoking and drinking!"
"Ha ha, who dares to control you?" Lou Cheng could not help laughing.
Lou Cheng always thought his lonely master was leaving by himself. Ugh, he must receive a good beating if Geeser Shi knew it.
Geezer Shi sighed and answered, "My daughter and her husband."
"Please say hello to my senior sister and her husband." Lou Cheng was very polite.
Sensing the joy in his master's words, Lou Cheng laughed silently at the Geezer Shi's dishonesty.
After a few civilities, Geezer Shi said, "Now that you call me, I have something to say."
"What is it?" Lou Cheng was surprized and curious.
Geezer Shi coughed and then answered, "Next semester's national competition has nothing to do with us. There're still eight to nine months for us to prepare for the next district contest in the coming semester. Since we can't merely rely on constant practice and pair exercise for such a long time, I'll find you some chances for actual combat. Or you'll be easily defeated in district contest for lacking experience."
"Practice in actual combat? How to do that?" Lou Cheng was so excited.
Geezer Shi explained, "In other universities, they often do pair exercise with neighbor martial arts clubs or schools. Sometimes they'd even join in small challenge tournaments in batches. But all these training methods are far from enough in my opinion for lacking intensity, which can't enable you to beat those top teams like Shanbei University. While you are going to step into the professional rank, Lin Que and other students are also growing. So we can join in the next preliminaries as a team."
"Preliminaries?" Lou Cheng blurted out in surprise.
Is he going to join in the preliminaries?
"Why are you so surprised? Preliminaries will offer you more chances to fight in actual combat with mighty ones. Considering the average level, you won't stay long in the preliminaries, and thus affect the coming district contest in the second half of this year. Try your best, and you may get some martial arts scrolls or rewards," Geezer Shi laughed.
Lou Cheng was somehow excited. It is the preliminary for professional martial arts rank!
"Master, will this affect our studying time, since there are home competitions and road competitions for preliminaries…?" Lou Cheng was worried.
"Hey," Geezer Shi said, "don't look down on your master. I'll inform the organizing committee to arrange our away competitions on the weekend. It's a district contest and you needn't go far away."
Then he added, "Take this opportunity to practice in actual combat and try to promote yourself. Then directly sign up for the Ranking Event of Professional Ninth Pin at the end of April!"
"Directly sign up for the Ranking Event of Professional Ninth Pin… " Lou Cheng gulped in surprise but soon felt excited and cheered up.
Would his first Ranking Event be for professional level?
That was very possible since everyone has the right to pursue his or her dream!
After the call, Lou Cheng could hardly wait to share the good news with Yan Zheke. But he finally decided to keep it to himself until the count-down during New Years!
Then he would find an excuse to enter the new year with Yan Zheke with the cheering sound of fireworks!
He would thus occupy her time from the past year to the coming one!
How clever I am!
His parents had almost finished preparing when Lou Cheng walked back to the living room. Then he got into his room secretly to fetch his gifts for them
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Chapter 87: Family Affairs
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Coming back, with two bags in his hands, Lou Cheng was somewhat embarrassed and was at a loss as to what to say, even though he had practiced in full preparation. Finally, he decided to be direct and said, "Dad, mom. These are for you."
"Gifts?" Lou Cheng's mother put aside her work and looked at him with surprize and suspicion. "Why did you buy us gifts? Have you made a mistake at school? Just tell us, and we won't blame you."
Such misunderstandings amused Lou Cheng and he shrugged off his embarrassment. He passed the gifts over and explained, "No, I bought them for you with my first bit of earned money. The knitted sweater is for you mother and the two thermal underwear are for Dad. Try them to see if they fit you well."
"Your first bit of earned money?" Lou Cheng's mother was confused but soon gave him a big smile. "You're a good boy. You don't have to buy gifts to show you are a caring son since we both know it."
Taking out the knitted sweater, Lou Cheng's father coughed to conceal his excitement. "You are still at school with no steady income. You should save the money for yourself since we don't need anything."
He tightly gripped the sweater while he spoke like that as if preventing it from being taken away by anyone else.
It was somewhat funny and Lou Cheng was greatly moved. "Don't worry. I also have some personal money. Just try them on to see if they fit you well."
On the verge of tears, Lou Cheng's mother began mumbling while checking the size labels. "Why didn't you ask me my size when selecting the clothes? We'd have to wait for a few days to get them exchanged since most stores close during the festival. Where is the invoice? Ay, it is exactly in my size!"
"Ha ha, I've already checked your wardrobe in secret." Lou Cheng admitted.
"Naughty boy, you have become clever." Lou Cheng's mother chided him affectionately.
Having read the size label, Lou Cheng's father lifted his glasses to wipe the corner of his eyes. "Have you joined a work-study program?"
"No. I told you before that I signed up for the school's Martial Arts Club, remember? Then I found out I had talent in martial arts and have been making rapid progress. This winter vacation I joined in a Challenge Tournament and advanced to the knockout rounds, getting several thousand yuan as a reward." Lou Cheng didn't tell them it was actually 15 thousand.
He hadn't meant to hide the truth from his parents, and he had his reasons.
Though since high school his mom and dad didn't care about him saving personal money, though, keeping such a large sum of money would still worry his mother. As an unemployed university student, it would be likely of him to spend all he had in a short time freely. At least in his mom and dad's opinion.
What if his mom suggested saving money for his future wedding, which he definitely couldn't refuse? He hadn't decided to admit that the money was actually used to pursue their future daughter-in-law.
"Martial Arts Competition? It's so dangerous! Why did you do that? Have you been injured?" Lou Cheng's mother interrogated, greatly taken aback.
Lou Cheng posed like a bodybuilder. "Mom, you see, I'm so energetic and strong now! Formal competitions all have high-ranking referees and supervisors, so minor injuries are treated immediately while serious injuries happen infrequently."
"But accidents are inevitable!" his Mom exclaimed still worried.
Lou Cheng smiled and said, "Nothing is absolutely safe. Will you stop taking the bus since there are so many traffic accidents?"
"Shut up, you seer of misfortune!" Mom waved her hands to stop him from saying more.
Dad smiled and took over the topic. "Well, let's stop it. Have you not seen that Cheng has changed very much in this time? He is more outgoing and independent now."
He paused and turned his gaze at Lou Cheng. "You are now an adult and you can be responsible for your choices. We will respect it. But I still have something to say. First, don't abandon your studies. Second, don't easily give it up since you chose it. You need to stick with it however difficult it might be."
"Well, dad, I'll cover my chosen route by all kinds of means even with my knees!" Lou Cheng answered in the popular internet language.
Mom stared at dad and shouted, "Adult? He's still a child who has just entered university!"
"Those who gave birth to a baby at the age of 18 were not scarce when we were young." Dad defended himself in a low voice.
"But you haven't even gotten a girlfriend even at the age of 26!" Mom sneered.
Seeing that his mom and dad had begun sparring, he realized they had no time to care about his competing in martial arts. At this Lou Cheng sighed with relief and helped them with the last step of preparation.
"Hey, stop showing off." Mom said rolling her eyes. "Help me carry these."
Taking the bags, Lou Cheng led the way while heading to the bus station.
New year's eve was coming and it was hard to order a car online in Xiushan, so they had to wait for a taxi or the bus. Things were much simpler when they came back at night—Lou Cheng's parents knew several neighbors driving unlicensed taxi's, who would be willing to pick up the three of them if the price was right.
Lou Cheng's parents and their neighbors had been working in the same factory and were thus quite familiar with each other. This was common in an ordinary civilians' life.
There were nine stops between Lou Cheng's home and his grandparents', and they had to get on a second bus halfway.
His grandparents had sold their old house and bought a recently-built apartment that came with assistive elevators. Lou Cheng's second uncle was also living there to take care of them.
When the elevator stopped on the 16th floor, Lou Cheng knocked at their apartment door.
After a while, a young man in his twenties opened the door and smiled at him. "Cheng, we've been waiting for you. Why are you so late, hasn't your winter vacation already begun?"
Lou Cheng made himself at home and took out a pair of slippers. "Hey hey. There were too many schoolmates inviting me out."
The young man was Lou Yuanwei, Lou Cheng's cousin. He was 1.75 meters with a round face and similar facial features to other members of Lou family. He was a quick minded dutiful son and always took good care of his little brothers and sisters.
Lou Cheng's parents were quite poor when he was in junior high school and they were unable to give him an allowance. Lou Yuanwei often helped him out and was thus regarded as one of the best brothers in China.
There was nothing bad about Lou Yuanwei, his only drawback was that he loved to create unnecessary setbacks for himself. He thought to go to university was boring, so he went straight to job-hunting after graduating from high school. Before long, he resigned and decided to run his own business such as milky tea shop, bakery, online shop, restaurant, etc. But all of his attempts failed within a short time which consumed almost all of his money and subsequently his parent's money as well. Now, he has gone back to work for a former employer.
"You did pretty well in school, didn't you?" Lou Yuanwei said while laughing. He then took out another two pairs of slippers for Lou Cheng's parents. "Come in, my dear uncle and aunt. It's windy outside."
Though Lou Cheng's father was the eldest son, he married late at the age of 27 in order to pursue his studies. So Lou Cheng was 5 years junior to Lou Yuanwei, his second uncle's son.
The moment Lou Cheng stepped into the living room, he heard the mixed sounds coming from the TV and the kitchen. Then a gray-haired man appeared.
"Uncle, are grandma and auntie in the kitchen?" Lou Cheng smiled in greeting.
This was his second uncle, Lou Zhiqiang. The three brothers and sisters in the Lou family were named Zhisheng, Zhiqiang, Zhixian.
"Yeah, they are looking forward to your mother's help." Lou Zhiqiang replied while nodding.
"You're an experienced top chef, and you still need my help?" Lou Cheng's mother sneered.
Lou Zhiqiang was the weird relative she often mentioned.
Lou Zhiqiang used to be a military cook with less education. When he was demobilized, he got married and became a government official's driver in the Health Bureau of Xiushan. Naturally, he should have gotten on well with the official and thus gotten promoted sooner or later like his fellow drivers. But over time, as officials came and went, he remained the car driver.
According to his colleagues, he was very critical and given to using bitter sarcasm. So, he always left a bad impression on every new official and thus missed his many chances to get promoted.
Fortunately, some friends helped him to quit as a driver and he then signed a contract to manage a canteen. As a former military chef he was good at cooking and thus ran the business well with Wang Lili, his hardworking wife in the first several years.
Once, when they were going through a tough time Lou Cheng's parents had asked his second uncle for help, who had refused them with scathing remarks. But Lou Cheng's grandparents believed that their eldest son didn't need much help since he was highly educated and able to make a living all by himself. While it was their second son who needed to be taken care of since he couldn't do well in anything. So, the old couple decided to give all of their inheritance to Lou Cheng's second uncle. This was why Lou Cheng's mother was so angry.
Since rights always came with duties, Lou Zhiqiang and his wife were now in charge of living with the old couple to take care of them.
Hearing what Lou Cheng's mother had said, Lou Zhiqiang felt embarrassed and quickly explained, "There are so many dishes to prepare and cook."
The canteen's business had dropped in recent years so he terminated the contract. But his son was so good at making trouble that the couple had invested almost all of their money into his failed business, which nearly destroyed the middle-aged man and turned his hair gray. With time he gradually quieted down and now seldom criticized others.
Even though she was unwilling to help the disgusting man, Qi Fang eventually went into the kitchen.
"Cheng, I'm going to play games in my room, or they'll start talking about finding a girlfriend for me again." Lou Yuanwei whispered, patting Lou Cheng on the shoulder.
"They'll catch you sooner or later." Lou Cheng couldn't help but joke with him.
He had heard it from his mother that his poor cousin's grandparents and parents decided to find him a wife to control and correct him in hopes that he would really grow up one day.
"I live for that moment, day by day!" Lou Yuanwei answered sadly.
Watching his cousin entering his room, Lou Cheng walked towards the sofa and greeted the old man seated there. "Grandpa."
The energetic gray-haired old man was Lou Debang, Lou Cheng's grandfather who coddled his second son madly. He was quite fond of Lou Cheng and seeing his grandson coming up, the old man smiled and asked, "Have you gotten used to the school life? Come here for some strawberries."
Why should all of you repeat the same question… Lou Cheng complained internally. Externally he told his grandpa something trivial about his school life and then he turned back to greet the middle-aged woman who came out of the kitchen. "Aunt. Where is Xixi?"
"Last I saw she was lying in the guest room. Could you please help me to persuade her to come out? She didn't do well in her studies recently. How I wish she would learn from you!" Lou Zhixian signed helplessly.
As a primary school teacher, she was so busy she couldn't even help her daughter.
"No problem." Lou Cheng agreed. "Where is my uncle-in-law?"
"Jiale asked for sparklers so your uncle-in-law took him to the supermarket." Lou Zhixian said while pointing out the window.
Seven-year-old Ma Jiale was their youngest son, who was nine years junior to their elder daughter Ma Xi.
Standing up, Lou Cheng walked into the guest room and found a girl, around 16, playing on her cell phone while laying on the bed in the dim light.
"Xixi, why don't you greet your second brother?" Lou Cheng smiled at the young rebels.
Ma Xi looked quite cute with her bangs. She pouted at Lou Cheng's words and then complained, "Mom ask you to persuade me into studying hard, right?"
"Okay, I won't say that." Lou Cheng sat on the side of the bed. "So why are you mad?"
He noticed his little cousin was quite unhappy.
Ma Xi was plain looking but full of energy typical of youth. She complained, "I don't want to see them. They all show favoritism to Ma Jiale!"
Lou Cheng laughed and shook his head. "Is that why you got so angry? "
Leaving Ma Xi no chance to answer, Lou Cheng hurriedly continued, "To be honest, though, mom always complains about our grandparents' decision to leave all of their inheritance and house to our second uncle. Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me, in the last year and a half at college I have experienced a lot and I pay even less attention to family affairs."
"I'm healthy, hardworking and talented, so why should I care about those trivial matters? I say broaden your horizons and improve your self-growth, and then you'll know what you really want in life."
And to think that he earned 15 thousand yuan in 10 days!
He was considering a Challenge Tournament for Professional Ninth or Eight Pin since the reward for the champion was usually over one hundred thousand yuan. What if he stepped into the realm of professional martial arts competitions and became a high-ranking mighty one? Would he still care about an apartment in a small city?
"What do you mean by that statement?" Ma Xi was attracted by Lou Cheng's description, but she knew he had other purposes.
She didn't get along well with her father and his relatives because of Ma Jiale. But she always regarded Lou Yuanwei and Lou Cheng as her ideal brothers.
Lou Cheng smiled. "I'm here to tell you that it is useless to get angry. When you have enough experience and a broader horizon as an independent girl, you'll naturally give up the obsession of competing with your little brother. Whoever your parents prefer, you should always love yourself, which is most important."
Ma Xi took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "What you said is quite reasonable… "
"To broaden your horizon and become an independent girl, the best choice for you is to study hard and enter a good college. Then you'll acquire the ability and qualifications necessary to make a living by yourself." Lou Cheng suddenly grinned. "Well, try to study hard!"
Ma Xi was temporarily at a loss but soon raised her voice and complained, "So, you are still talking about my grades!"
"Take my advice or don't, it's up to you." Lou Cheng stood up and slowly left the room.
Watching him leave, Ma Xi thought for a long while and then murmured to herself,
"Study hard…"
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Chapter 88: A Fresh Start
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Lou Cheng returned to the living room and sat down on one end of the sofa. While listening to the adults' conversation, he took out his handphone and sent a message to Yan Zheke,
"I've given my parents the gifts. They praised that I've picked a nice style and they like them very much!"
Yan Zheke sent a "satisfied grin with shiny teeth" emoji and said, "Of course, you're gonna see who chose them!"
"True, way better than my taste!" Lou Cheng flattered and added, "I'll need more Coach Yan's guidance in future!"
Yan Zheke gave a "shocked face" and asked, "There's more that you wish to learn other than martial arts?"
"Of course, you're my life advisor!" Lou Cheng "snickered."
You can also help me resolve my problem of being single!
Yan Zheke sent a "touching my chin while in deep thoughts" emoji and remarked, "How I can be your life advisor so easily? At least you'll have to pass my test!"
"What test? I'm all ready!" Lou Cheng exclaimed and sent a "pounding chest and roar" emoji.
Yan Zheke gave a "rolling eyes" and said, "… I haven't decided yet, tell you next time."
"Alright. Just now when my parents received the gifts, they were nagging that I should save up while grabbing the clothes tightly, as if I was going to snatch them back." Lou Cheng said, trying to change the topic.
Yan Zheke covered her mouth, smiled and commented, "All adults are the same. They usually didn't mean it when they said 'no'."
While the both of them were chatting on the phone, Lou Cheng was half-listening to the conversation that Grandpa and Father were having, as well as greeting Cai Zongming, Zhao Qiang, Jiang Fei, and other classmates a happy new year on QQ. At the same time, he refreshed the Longhu Club forum to look at the latest post.
The whole forum was filled with the New Year atmosphere, as greeting posts from the other forums were seen everywhere. Lou Cheng glanced through the posts and found the "Wonton Seller" lady had posted several replies in the forum.
Not long after, "Wonton Seller" directed a post to him. "Young Tiger, how come you are inactive these days? Got busier during the break?"
"Yeah, busy with training, visiting relatives, high school gathering, but I did update myself with the forum, just lurking around." Lou Cheng responded.
As his learning environment at junior high school was nasty, he did not share the same frequency with his classmates then, so they had not contacted each other long ago. The only few classmates that he was still in contact with were people like Wang Xu, who was his childhood friend from kindergarten till junior high.
"Wonton Seller" used a "cheeky" emoji and commented, "So you are here today to greet everyone with a Happy New Year?"
"Yup! Happy Lunar New Year!" Lou Cheng went with the flow and replied.
"Wonton Seller" sent a "huge index finger waving from side to side" and shot, "That's insincere! Come, join this group to share and snatch Angbaos (Red Packets)!"
Looking at the stated group chat ID, Lou Cheng copied and searched the ID on QQ, only to discover a group titled "Longhu Club forum Chatroom".
Upon using the "Schrodinger's Tiger" nickname to answer the identity clarification question, Lou Cheng was instantly added into the group chat. There were about 30 participants, most of which he was familiar with, such as the moderator Pig-Riding Knight, Wonton Seller, Above the Sky, A Plumber Eating Mushroom, Sea-Blue, Brahman, Unparalleled Dragon King, Okamoto's Fan, Invincible Punch, Road to the Arena and so on. However. But Beautiful World, Outspoken and No Hooligans were not there.
"Finally find the way to the moderator's group?" Lou Cheng chuckled at it and sent 20 packets of Angbaos of 20 yuan each.
After a round of fierce snatch, the Angbaos were all gone at an instant. "Pig-Riding Knight" said, "Welcome Young Tiger, how's your training for martial arts recently?"
"Not too bad, very soon I'll obtain a professional level!" Lou Cheng replied, purposely used a "cackling with hands on the hip" emoji.
"Road to the Arena" laughed and said, "You got to explain what do you mean by 'very soon'? Regarding cosmic distance ladder, three to five years are considered very soon as well."
The others joined in and cracked jokes about it, making the atmosphere lively. Just then, "Brahman" lady gave out 20 Angbaos with 10 yuan each.
As Lou Cheng was inexperienced in snatching Angbaos and he was at the same time chatting with Yan Zheke, by the time he saw the Angbaos, he had already missed it. He took the opportunity to take a closer look at Brahman's profile picture. The picture she used was probably a real photo of her, with her hair tied in plaits on both sides and placed in front. She had delicate features and looked pretty cute, with a child-like looking face.
"This kid is indeed a freshman at junior high…" Lou Cheng murmured to himself. He previously heard from the forum that "Brahman" had just graduated from primary school and was very childish. From the way she expressed herself on the forum, it did seem to be true, but he had never gotten the chance to confirm it personally through photos.
"Those who took my Angbaos, faster help me to recommend my post!" "Brahman" commanded as she used a "swinging whip" emoji, followed by a link to her post.
Though Lou Cheng didn't manage to snatch the Angbaos, he clicked on the link out of curiosity and saw the title of the post
"Lou Cheng forum is here to greet all with a Happy New Year! We welcome all to visit often to boost the popularity~~"
"Lou Cheng forum… What's that? " Lou Cheng's jaw dropped, portraying a standard dumbstruck expression.
A Lou Cheng forum actually exists?
He was bewildered for a moment, before he quickly clicked on the link in the thread.
A new forum page opened, and the first thing he saw was a picture of himself standing in the arena, looking determined and strong.
"Holy cow, this is really my forum… when was it built?" Lou Cheng was feeling shocked, yet excited and jovial. He looked further down and saw the description text for the forum.
"This is a private forum of Lou Cheng from Songcheng University Martial Arts Club, where it contains every detail of him. We welcome you to join us, and together, we shall protect him to grow stronger."
"Protect… " Lou Cheng thought to himself. He peered at the moderator's name and saw an ID called "Eternal Nightfall", while the assistant moderator's ID was "Brahman"
She really thought of me as her new idol? For that moment, Lou Cheng was quite pleased with himself, as he happily swiped open the sticky thread "About Lou Cheng".
The thread starter, "Eternal Nightfall", wrote,
"Lou Cheng is a student from Songcheng University, a member of the Martial Arts Club, and has participated in the first session of Phoenix Cup Warrior Sage Candidate Challenge Tournament. As a rankless fighter, he had achieved a remarkable result of the eighth position and defeated two Mighty Ones of Professional Ninth Pin. The following links will lead you to his tournament videos, photos, and related news."
"He's a boy who has a silly-looking smile, so I feel that he should be a warm-hearted person, and definitely caring. However, the moment he stands on the arena, he's filled with confidence, someone who is crazy yet ferocious. That's cool AF."
"I am his second fan, and I hope to record his growing process bit by bit."
Next was "Brahman"'s reply, "In my heart, Lou Cheng is a specially mysterious expert, till the moment I saw this video of him. However, that didn't stop me from liking him. A simple-minded guy that catches everyone's attention the moment he's on stage and defeats every strong opponent in front of him. Doesn't that make him even more mysterious and more attractive?"
"I am his No. 1 fan. Hope to be by his side as he grows stronger."
While looking at the posts, a gentle smile crossed Lou Cheng's face, yet he commented, "The black history had spread rather fast… "
Exiting from the sticky thread, he saw posts on videos, photos and related news of the "Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament." They were categorized and organized neatly, better and more complete than the ones he had saved.
Other than these posts, there were also re-visit posts by "Pig-Riding Knight" and curious posts by "Eternal Nightfall," asking that since the number of visitors had increased much based on the recent back end record, yet why only the two of them were active on this forum. "Brahman" guessed that this was a result of her advertizing about this forum everywhere.
At the same time, there were also posts by "Eternal Nightfall" where she "rolled all over the floor" and made a big fuss that if there were no more new news on Lou Cheng, she was going to die!
Flipping to the last page were posts by the two moderators where they initially argued on who should be the No. 1 fan. As Lou Cheng looked at the posts one by one, a smile revealed on his face. Adopting the description from another novel, his heart felt warm, cozy and complete.
He initially wanted to "like" the forum, but after much consideration, he decided to lurk around and just watch silently, so that he would not disturb the discussions of the two fans. He then followed the reply post by "Pig-Riding Knight" before exiting from the forum.
He returned to the group chat and sent a direct reply to "Brahman", "I've visited the forum, and it seems like the moderator is rather young, should be the same as yours?"
"Brahman" used a "ten times amusing look" and replied, "Thanks, Young Tiger! As for little Eternal Nightfall, I felt that she's younger than me, guess she should only be a primary school kid, and I am her daddy!"
"Primary school kid… " Lou Cheng twitched at the corner of his mouth. Could it be that he had the potential to attract Lolita-alike? The main moderator and the assistant moderator were both under fourteen!
…
In a cozy bedroom, Yan Xiaoling was scrolling the forum when she suddenly sneezed. She simpered and said to herself,
"Who's talking about me?"
Soon, she returned her attention to a very important thing which she recalled. Yes, it was decided, she would aim for the School of Arts in Songcheng University!
…
When it was almost dinner, Lou Cheng's uncle, Ma Guoqin, was finally home with his youngest son, Ma Jiale.
"Where have you been to, Uncle? We've been waiting for you for a long while." Lou Cheng asked with a smirk.
Ma Guoqin pretended to be angry and replied, "This son of mine is too mischievous, so I got to tag along to get some firecrackers for later."
He used to be a colleague of Lou Zhisheng, Lou Cheng's father while working as a driver in the goods delivery unit. Even after the enterprize went bankrupt, he did not give up as gathering some colleagues to help others with long distance delivery. Though it was tiring, the profits were good. With the recent trend in online cabs booking, he quitted that job and used his savings to purchase a car, which at the same time, he could be a part-time private driver.
Talking about this, most of the people from Lou Cheng's family used to work in that bankrupt enterprize, which was also a unique feature at that time. Fortunately, when it went bankrupt, Lou Cheng's grandparents had already retired and were living on pension funds, so they were not much affected. There was a period when Lou Cheng's family had a very hard time and he had to go over to his grandfather's house every two to three days to have his meals. Lucky that his second uncle, Lou Zhiqiang, was not mean and treated him well.
At the table, everyone no longer had a worried look on their faces as the bitter and dilemma period had long gone. They were chatting in a jovial mood, creating a lively and cozy atmosphere. Even for Lou Yuanwei, whose restaurant had just shut down, had let himself free as his words sparkled with wisdom. Afterall, there were no debts left uncleared, wasn't it? And he still had a job, wasn't it?
Lou Cheng's grandparents wiped their tears upon seeing this scene, feeling extremely emotional about it.
The old couple was quite interesting as well. Since young, Lou Cheng knew that his grandmother was easily agitated and had a very bad temper, so his grandfather would usually handle the family matters. However, recently, his grandfather's temper was getting weirder and weirder, whereas his grandmother became much more forgiving, so she had ended up handling with the family matters.
The whole family sat together to catch up and had dinner, then gathered around the elderly to watch the celebration party at night. When the clock struck ten, Lou Cheng and his parents stood up, preparing to leave, and had planned to call a cab to fetch them. However, his uncle-in-law, Ma Guoqin, initiated to send them home, which saved them many troubles.
When they got home, Lou Cheng had initially sat at the sofa, chatted with his parents and accompanied him to watch the television. When it was about 11:40 p.m. and the surrounding was filled with the noises of the firecrackers, he stood up and walked to the balcony. He then called Yan Zheke from the record list of his recent calls.
As for why he had called her this early was to prevent any last minute hiccups. What if Yan Zheke received other calls at exactly 12 a.m.?
"Hello, Cheng?" A familiar soft and clear voice was heard from the other end of the phone. It was Yan Zheke.
Lou Cheng sounded excited intentionally and effused, "Tell you something. I'd just called Coach Shi to greet him with a Happy New Year, and he suggested planning for actual combat practice starting next semester."
"Actual combat practice?" Yan Zheke suddenly became interested and excited.
Lou Cheng smirked and added, "He said that I am now almost of a professional level. Together with your cousin and everyone's improvements in martial arts, we will be able to form a team for the preliminaries next year!"
"Preliminaries!" Yan Zheke repeated with a slightly higher pitch voice, vividly revealing that she was anxious and excited upon hearing it. She added, "We can actually go for preliminaries!"
"Yup, I was feeling the same way when I heard it. I was totally excited for it." Lou Cheng honestly commented.
Just then, Yan Zheke lowered her voice and said, "Not sure if I have the opportunity to participate in it with my current level… "
"You've acquired with basic meditation skill and have some grounding to begin with. In addition, the talent in martial arts runs in your family, so I believe you'll easily achieve a level of Amateur Third Pin after a year, which is good enough to be a substitute." Lou Cheng immediately encouraged her.
"Yes, I must work even harder. Starting with the first day after New Year, I will wake up early to practice to get a good start!" Yan Zheke said with determination, to the extent that Lou Cheng could even imagine the look of her clenching her fist and pouting her mouth, which made him smiled.
"Oh yes, what's your cousin's level now?" he asked, changing the topic to drag some time while waiting for the clock to strike midnight.
True enough, Yan Zheke's attention moved on to the next topic as she pondered before answering. "The way he trains himself is crazy. Grandpa said that his vital energy and blood had reached its peak at his current level, so next, he will need to train to restrain himself. This is to integrate his body and skills into one, which may take a few months, to as long as three to five years."
She didn't mention the possibility of failing, as she was very confident in Lin Que.
Lou Cheng followed up on the topic, and soon, there were sounds of the firecrackers all around him. The sounds were so loud that no other noises could be heard, and the same firecrackers sounds could be heard from the other side of the phone.
It was midnight. The eve was over, and it was New Year!
After a few minutes, the sound of the firecrackers became weaker. Lou Cheng was glad that the call was not cut off as he heard the soft breathing sound from the other side of the phone, and recalled that Yan Zheke could also hear his breathing sound over the phone.
He calmed his heart, suppressed his excitement, and leaned his back on the wall. He pursed his lips, and with a gentle smile, he said in a low voice,
"Happy New Year."
Over the phone, he heard a gentle cheerful reply, "Happy New Year."
That moment was heart-warming and a sense of happiness was in the air. Lou Cheng looked out and saw the colorful fireworks in the air. Again, he lowered his voice and added,
"Wish you happiness in the new year."
Yan Zheke chuckled and replied, "Wish you happiness in the new year as well."
Though her reply was not loud, it lingered in Lou Cheng's heart.
The both of them did not speak after that. Over the phone, they quietly listened to each other's breathing and the sound of the firecrackers, which depicted a fresh start.
Again, they were a year older!
After a while, Yan Zheke spoke, "Are you still training tomorrow?"
"Of course. As long as I'm not seriously ill or injured, I'm gonna persevere on with my training. A new year must have a better start. Not to mention that you're gonna wake up early to train as well, I can't possibly lose to my role model." Lou Cheng answered with a grin.
All of a sudden, Yan Zheke scolded "angrily", "Then you should be in bed! It's already late, and you're gonna wake up at 5:30 a.m.!"
Even though Lou Cheng got scolded, he was not mad about it. Instead, he chortled and said, "That's because I was waiting to say 'Happy New Year' to you?"
"Alright, I need to go to bed as well. Gonna wake early, gonna wake early!" Yan Zheke murmured to herself, before she added with a sweet voice, "Good night Cheng~"
"Good night Coach Yan, and sweet dreams." Lou Cheng smiled and waited for Yan Zheke to hang up.
He returned to the living room. As he was feeling excited and joyful, his words gushed out from his mouth the moment he saw his parents,
"Dad, Mom, happy new year!"
I am really very happy!
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Chapter 89: Morning Is the Best Time of the Day
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Facing the sudden wishes from Lou Cheng, Lou Cheng's father and mother were confused as they were staring blankly at him without responding, wondering they were hallucinating.
After several seconds, Lou Cheng's mother, Qi Fang, laughed and replied, "Silly child, what for say these since we are a family? Do you need to be so modest?"
"Well, I'm just in the mood." Lou Cheng chortled and added, "I go bathe and sleep. Gonna continue waking up early tomorrow for training."
He then silently thought in his heart that the way he was being treated when he was a child was different from now. He recalled that his mother would always brag to others that he had learned to speak by himself. When the television was showing how people wish each other "Happy New Year", he managed to pick up the words as a toddler and followed them to say the words. However, now that he said the same word, his parents were shocked instead of feeling surprized or happy…
Upon hearing that Lou Cheng was going to wake up early on the first day of New Year for training, Qi Fang said with concern, "It's New Year, why not rest for a few days? Furthermore, it's already late, it's not good for your health if you don't get enough sleep."
"It's Okay, It's Okay." Lou Cheng replied with a grin. He walked briskly towards his room, took out the money from the red envelope that he had received, and kept the money in his wallet. These money included 500 yuan from his grandparents, which was given to every child in the family except Lou Yuanwei, and 500 yuan each from his uncle and aunt, which totaled to be 1,500 yuan. This used to be the source of his private savings, whereas his parents would need to give Ma Xi, Ma Jiale each 500 yuan, and his grandparents each 1,000 yuan.
After bathing, he regulated his breathing and tried to integrate it with his body as one. He did not want to get too excited and ended up with insomnia.
With a calm heart and clear mind, Lou Cheng instantly went into deep sleep and woke up naturally the next morning. His alarm rang at the same time.
He changed his clothes, brushed his teeth and washed his face, making himself look more vigorous and energetic. He first sent a message to Yan Zheke, informing her that "The handsome guy has woken up." He then grabbed his handphone and keys before heading out.
The sky was still dark and cloudy. The streetlights shone dimly along the street. Lou Cheng ran slowly along the wide and quiet street towards People's Park, brushing against the bone-chilling cold breeze. At times, he could see some street cleaners sweeping the remains of firecrackers, a mark from yesterday's grand celebration.
By the time he reached his destination, a ray of light had appeared from the sky. As it was the first day of New Year, the park was not as crowded as before, with only a few old people, who were still determined to train, scattering in the park. As such, he had easily found a quiet spot for his training and did not need to take a detour to the artificial lake as usual.
Lou Cheng focused on his training as he practiced each stance and skill seriously: Yin-Yang Stance, Condensation Stance, series of practice routines, 24 Blizzard Strikes combined with the Lightning and Fire Stance, Big or Small Hand Wrap.
One must have a good start for a new year!
…
Inside the Gushan Martial Arts School, Dai Linfeng, Qin Rui and other disciples were sleeping everywhere. Beer bottles and leftover plates of fruits were placed around in a mess. If not for the heater and blanket available in the room, it was possible that a few of them might be frozen to death.
Buzz buzz buzz! Dai Linfeng's handphone continuously vibrated, which woke him up from his deep sleep.
He massaged his head and glanced around blankly as if he had lost his memory. It was only when he took out his phone, did he remember the reason for his sleeping here. Yesterday was New Year's Eve, and after the reunion dinner with his family, he received a call from Qin Rui, seniors, and fellow disciples. They had decided to stay up late and have a happy time together to relax for next year's preliminaries.
"Hey, Xiaofei, what's up? Why did you call so early?" He saw the caller was the good-for-nothing Tao Xiaofei, and from the window's view, it seemed only dawn.
Tao Xiaofei sounded excited and nervous as he spoke in a very lower voice, "Brother Feng, guess who I saw? I saw that guy who bumped into you the other day! Didn't you mention that he was the one who set a trap and made you lose the tournament… "
Dai Linfeng felt a chill upon hearing the news, and before he could finish his sentence, he questioned in reply, "How did you see him? Where did you see him?"
According to his master, that person could be a fighter of Professional Ninth Pin, someone with supernatural ability or strange eerie skills!"
Tao Xiaofei immediately replied him and spoke at a fast pace, "Last night after my family's reunion dinner, didn't I come out to hang out at the pubs? Then I heard that a few newcomers had joined the Emperor pub, so I went there with my friends and I had fun till this morning. I even brought a few out and planned to go to the nearby beautiful lakeside to try having sex in the car. Who knows I saw that guy training at the embankment! No mistake, I am sure it's him, I can still vividly remember that feeling he gave off!"
"Brother Feng, do you want revenge? You could bring all your men, surround him and beat him into a pulp. No matter how strong he is, it's still impossible for him to defeat that many people, isn't it?"
He seemed to be very interested in such matter as it excited him so much.
Just then, Qin Rui and another disciple, who had been awoken by the noise, glanced in Dai Linfeng's direction in a daze. He signaled them to keep silent as he spoke to Tao Xiaofei in a low voice, "You're gonna stay away from him first, don't let him discover your presence. This kind of thing, I got to ask my master."
At the peak of the body refining state, it was certainly possible that the fighter would not be able to defeat all of them at once. Just five or six fighters of Amateur Third Pin and above would be enough to beat him to death. Even if they were just normal people, as long as they operated in large groups and equipped themselves with knives and daggers, they also had the chance to defeat that fighter. However, the problem would be how much damage could they handle? How much were they willing to sacrifice?
For a group of five to six experts of Amateur Third Pin and above, to beat a fighter of Professional Ninth Pin to death, they would probably sacrifice half of their people in their group should the fighter fought to his death. Moreover, this was not considering the breakdown of his disciples' morales during the battle. Dai Linfeng did not want to see his fellow disciples die in front of him, not to say about the troublesome problems that might come after that. Thus, he was still hesitating whether to seek his revenge and planned to discuss this matter with his master, Chu Weicai.
He hung up the call immediately and dialed his master's number, without taking a look at Qin Rui and the others.
As Chu Weicai's vital energy and blood had weakened due to old age, he had already woken up and was having his bowl of longevity noodles on the first day of New Year. He picked up and answered his phone.
"Master, my friend saw that fighter of Professional Ninth Pin. He's still at Xiushan!" Dai Linfeng said, summarizing the main points.
Chu Weicai placed the chopsticks on his right hand down on the table with a gentle tap, pondered for a moment before he spoke with a low voice. "Regarding this matter, it's best that all of you don't meddle with it. You guys are still unable to handle the things and happenings in the underworld. Give a call to Zhang Mingle and just let him know of it."
"Yes, Master." Dai Linfeng responded him with respect, then started looking for Zhang Mingle's spare number.
Zhang Mingle, who was once his master's disciple, was well-known as Master Le in the gangsterdom of Xiushan. He had the strength of Amateur First Pin at his heyday, but due to his constant indulgent to tobacco, alcohol, money, and women, it would be hard to determine his current rank now. However, the two subordinates under him, Vajra Body Zhang Biao and He Wei, were not easy to deal with either. They were once guided by his own master, and had absented themselves from distractions. If he were to fight against any of the two, he would only have 60%-70% of winning.
As for his own master, he was a fighter of Professional Ninth Pin when he joined Xiushan gangsterdom in his foolish young days and became one of the few big brothers. Nevertheless, he was plotted against in one of the arguments and got badly injured. This forced him to give up on pursuing Dan Realm, which caused him to feel regretful as he left gangsterdom. Now, he often grumbled that if not for his foolish young days, he would have traveled out of Xiushan and expanded this martial arts club further.
After Dai Linfeng found and dialed the number, he waited for a few rings before he heard a familiar and hoarse voice, a result of constant smoking and drinking. Zhang Mingle spoke, "Ay, what's up for calling your senior such early morning, Junior Dai?"
"I've a friend who saw that fighter of Professional Ninth Pin. He's still at Xiushan." Dai Linfeng replied to the point.
The other end of the phone kept silent for a moment before a low voice said, "Haven't left yet?… Where's he now?"
"Self-training at the embankment of Tongxu River behind Emperor Pub," reported Dai Linfeng honestly.
"Junior Dai, as a senior, I'm thankful for what you did. Also, don't meddle with this matter, I'll handle it." Zhang Mingle commanded, as he exhaled forcefully.
After the conversation had ended, Dai Linfeng looked up and were welcomed by Qin Rui's, his seniors' and juniors' gazes. He grinned and said, "Tao Xiaofei met the fighter of Professional Ninth Pin who had bumped into me the other day. However, our master doesn't want us to meddle with this matter, so will let Master Le to handle it."
Being young and vigorous, Qin Rui could not hide his curiosity as he gulped and suggested, "Senior Dai, even though we can't meddle with it, we can go there to observe it. We can meet up with Tao Xiaofei, and hide in the car to observe how Master Le handles that fellow!"
Dai Linfeng was dazed by his suggestion. He nodded his head and said, "Alright, let's head over to join Tao Xiaofei."
All because of his fellow, who not only had him felt ashamed in front of the chairman, but caused the club to lose the chance of getting this year's sponsorship!
…
Hiding at a secret spot, Zhang Mingle half-laid on the bed while grasping his phone tightly. His face distorted with fury. He was still wrapped in bandages and being on a drip.
"That bastard Third Jian, he's still not willing to stop! How dare he still touch Xiushan. Does he really think that I'm coward?" He roared, gnashing his teeth in anger.
That fighter of Professional Ninth Pin has hidden himself in Xiushan for numerous days, and for what purpose? It speaks for itself!
That fighter must have thought of taking this opportunity to attack again while he is feeling peace and contentment!
Whenever Zhang Mingle recalled the time that he almost lost his life when he kicked his leg, he felt anger and hatred. However, when he saw Zhang Wei and He Biao walk in, he calmed himself.
His two subordinates with Vajra Body, one walked with the aid of crutches, while another was fully bandaged like a mummy. They would need another three to five months' to recover.
He took a breath, picked up his phone and called his other men,
"Xu, come over for a while. Be careful, don't get tracked. Let you know the details when you're here."
…
He called his men one by one. After 15 minutes of calling, the five men he had called were gathered at the hiding spot, with Wang Xu as their leader.
The reason why they could arrive fast was also that the traffic was clear in the early morning.
Zhang Mingle said with a serious look on his face, "We've found that Professional Ninth Pin fighter. He's still at Xiushan and we can no longer tolerate this. Gonna teach them a lesson!"
As he spoke, he opened the box in front of him, revealing the five well-polished black metal guns inside the box. He then looked at Wang Xu and other four subordinates, and said,
"These are great-quality goods from the south. You guys have tried them a few times, today is the day to make good use of them."
"Bring them along, and kill that fellow. After this, I'll settle the aftermath and get you all to hide for a year or two before coming back. No matter what, whether you succeed in this mission, I'll guarantee you all a fortune for the rest of your life!"
Wang Xu's expression changed slightly as he immediately held his head up chest out in front of Zhang Mingle and said,
"No worries, Master Le. Leave it to us!"
"Very good. As for the others, leave your phones here in case any news were leaked. Should there be any changes to the plan, I'll inform Xu." After the pub attack incident, Wang Xu had become one of Zhang Mingle's trusted subordinates. This time, he allowed Wang Xu to retain his phone for communication purpose.
They left the hiding spot and reached the back of Emperor Pub. From far, they indeed saw a person practicing his punches on the embankment. Wang Xu felt a twitch in his chest. He had a bad feeling about it. Though a group of five people, each equipped with a gun, might seem powerful and might have a high possibility of killing that Professional Ninth Pin fighter, but they were just gangsters. They were not police officers, nor soldiers, nor killers. They had only practiced with the guns once every two to three months, and suddenly, they needed to attack a Professional Ninth Pin fighter. Honestly, he did not have much confidence.
Not to mention that the attacks of this Professional Ninth Pin fighter was terrifying, definitely not something that he could handle!
He looked at the terrain, gestured to the other four and said, "We can't attack directly. The view from the embankment is wide and he might notice us from far. If he were to escape, we wouldn't be able to catch up with him. I guess it's better for us to hide and wait for the opportunity to attack on his way back."
"Okay, Xu's right." They agreed.
Seeing such situation, Wang Xu took out his phone, gestured to others and said, "I'll report to Master Le about the situation."
With his back facing the others, the first number he dialed was actually Lou Cheng's!
"Hello, hello! That Professional Ninth Pin fighter is indeed at the embankment of Tongxiu River behind the Emperor Pub, but we dare not go near. Hello, hello, we are afraid that he'll discover us. Hello, hello, no problem with the guns, we plan to sneak an attack on his way back. Hello, hello, what kind of bad signal is this!" Wang Xu pretended throughout. He hung up his phone and redialed the number, this time round to the real Zhang Mingle.
…
At a quiet place in People's Park, Lou Cheng held his phone, his mouth in a thin line. He was worried, yet at the same time, felt furious for no reason.
Now that it involves gangsterdom, guns, and a Professional Ninth Pin fighter with secret mind discipline, do I have such great capability to meddle with it?
For goodness' sake, I'm only a new first-year undergraduate!
You are trying to kill me, Wang Xu!
Do I owe you anything at all? What for you look for me for such matter?
If you know it's dangerous, why didn't you listen to my advice?
With mixed feelings, he really felt like dialing the numbers and said,
"Hello, is this the police?"
However, after thinking for a while, he gave up on the idea. This was because there would definitely be some protection rules for these gangsterdom in the police system, and informing the police about such things would result in tipping them off, which was equivalent to selling Wang Xu out.
Thus, he got to find a trustworthy police officer.
In the aspect, even though he did not have any contact, he could do so through others. One, Yan Zheke had mentioned that her grandfather had several disciples working in the police circle. Furthermore, her mother and herself often stayed in Xiushan, it would go without saying that they would know a few local police officers with real power. Two, his own master was still considered as a Mighty Ones with physical invulnerability. He had many contacts and his position in the society seemed rather high, to the extent that he could even interfere with the arrangement for preliminaries. It would be extremely normal that he had relationships, relatives, and friends working in the police circle, who had the real power to deal with any fighters.
Who should he go for?
This was the problem, but no matter what, he must not be reckless or foolish and got himself involve into this matter! Though he had a good relationship with Wang Xu, it was still unnecessary for him to risk his life for him. He was not Yan Zheke, nor his parents!
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Who should he go for?
In a wink, all his attention was focused on how to solve the problem. Normally it would make perfect sense to ask Yan Zheke for help since her family members were Xiushan natives. If they were well connected to senior police officials, they might know the background of Le and Third Jian as well as their connections, thus avoiding the protected mafias and finding the most suitable person to help Wang Xu.
But there were three drawbacks. First, Yan Zheke didn't have any connections in the police department. Even if she said yes, she would have to ask a favor of her mom or even her grandpa. The more people he involved, the longer time it would take, and also the police might reject them.
Second, to frequently interact with Yan Zheke and strengthen their relationship, he experienced great pleasure in using a little help from her once in a while. However, this time was different. Lou Cheng was rather embarrassed to ask for any help from her family, and he could not get over this feeling due to his pride.
Third, even if Yan Zheke's mom and grandpa agreed to help, he might leave a bad impression on her family. Suppose they took him as an underachiever involved in the underworld, a degenerate who had given up himself and a pain in the neck who dared break the restrictions using martial arts. Then how difficult would it be for him to be appreciated by his future father-in-law and mother-in-law when he paid a visit?
Those who do not plan for the future will find trouble at their doorstep. Once he figured this out, Lou Cheng quickly decided to call his master.
While waiting for his master to answer the phone, he couldn't help but pat himself for his long-term view.
Although everything was still up in the air…
"Hello, you are supposed to be practicing your martial arts at this time. Anything wrong?" Soon Geezer Shi's voice of disbelief rang from the other side of the phone.
Considering it was an emergency, Lou Cheng went straight to the topic, "Master, I need to ask you a favor, I have a childhood friend…"
He explained the whole situation in a few words, but the context of the incident was elaborated clearly.
Geezer Shi cleared his throat before continuing, "Well done. You are smart enough to call me first instead of rushing into danger. Otherwise, I would disown you for being such a dumb disciple. I will get you some help. Wait for my call."
"Thank you, my master. Thank you, my master." Lou Cheng repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
He had asked for a great favor for Wang Xu.
Geezer Shi called again a few minutes later with a sense of elation, "I will come out in person, so whatever the problems are, they can be taken care of easily. Take down this phone number and call back right away. It's the deputy director of the Xiushan police who takes charge of the underworld affairs. Relax, whether the two gangs have contacted him or not, he will definitely help you out first since you are my disciple. He knows how to do the right thing."
"How impressive! My master, you are so well-connected." Lou Cheng complimented sincerely.
He squatted and wrote down the number with his fingers in the mud. Then he dialed the number immediately.
A calm and attractive voice came from the other end of the phone after a short burst of rings, "Hello, is this Little Lou?"
"Yeah, it's me. Hello, Director Xing." Lou Cheng seemed astonished, "Master has mentioned my name before?"
Director Xing let out a candid laughter, "I have heard a lot about Master Shi. Little Lou, I need more details from you because your master does not tell me details."
"Sure." Lou Cheng was glad to hear this.
After three or four questions, Director Xing basically got the picture and replied with a smile, "Little Cheng, don't worry. Leave it to me and I will take care of everything. If I can't get in touch with them to reduce the severity of the problem, I will bring my team straight away."
"Thank you, Director Xing." Lou Cheng was relieved for a moment. He called Wang Xu.
As a local villain who was familiar with this neighborhood, Wang Xu was certain that Professional Ninth Pin was living in one of the old communities behind the Emperor Pub, so he waited at the intersection between that street and the road to the embankment of the Tongxiu River.
It was the first day of the lunar year, so basically, all kinds of breakfast stands in this area were closed. Only one or two owners who had to make a living opened their shops and provided hot meals for those who played all night long in bars. Wang Xu and another four hatchet men, disguised as passersby, were sitting around a makeshift table and watching the white-haired owner cook noodles in a big iron pot. The cold winds blew through the street, and it was chilly and gloomy.
Wang Xu's phone rang, and his expression changed slightly once he checked the screen. Instantly he put on a smile and answered the phone.
"Hey, Le. Anything else?"
From their last call, Lou Cheng was not surprized at his words and started to talk slowly.
"I have called the police and asked someone to send officers who you can trust."
According to his plan, the presence of the police would certainly scare away gangsters from then two sides and avoid any irreversible damages. Even Wang Xu was caught on the scene, with the help of Director Xing, he was likely to seek leniency since the gun did not belong to him. At that time, he bet Wang Xu would not dare to stick with Le anymore.
As for that Professional Ninth Pin with secret mind discipline, suppose he had his cover blown and caught the attention of the police. He would not stick around Xiushan anymore. He must put off his plan until everything was settled.
Now the only problem lied with Le. Would he suspect Wang Xu of leaking the information and turn against him? However, as a freshman, he couldn't get everything done. He had to count on Director Xing for more protection and see how he planned things out.
Wang Xu frowned upon hearing what Lou Cheng said. It was not the kind of help he was expecting, but now he had to take it. Anyway, it was better than getting into a life-or-death battle with that Professional Ninth Pin. Without any back-up, one small mistake could lead to his death, and there would be no tomorrow for him!
Fortunately, he had witnessed how powerful a Professional Ninth Pin could be in that night raid against the bar, otherwise, he might have the guts to confront him directly since he was such a reckless and desperate man.
"Yep, yep, we will wait for the right moment and take him down in the shortest possible time." Wang Xu respectfully answered the phone while checking out the four hatchet men sitting beside him. As his gaze swept across their faces, he noticed several features. For instance, one tried to play cool by wearing earrings and another had tattoos on his neck. One man's eyes were puffy and one of them was shivering a little bit.
In the People's Park, Lou Cheng was lost in thought again after moving the phone away from his face.
Normally he wouldn't feel guilty since he had gone great lengths to help Wang Xu by owing his master a big favor. Yet he still worried that something bad might happen. For instance, if Director Xing failed to make the contact in time, then the police might not scare off that Professional Ninth Pin by alarming him on purpose, and this whole thing wouldn't be settled as if the plan never happened. Also gangsters from the two sides might start a battle before the interference of the police…
Lou Cheng paced back and forth in the park. He took a deep breath and heaved it out as though making up his mind. Suddenly he started to walk toward the exit of the park with a plan to go to the Emperor Pub by cab.
Well, I will keep my distance and watch them from afar. I will not get myself into the mess recklessly. If possible, I will give Wang Xu a hand when he's in critical situations; if not, I will not take the risk.
It was the early morning of the first day of the lunar year, so it was hard to find cabs or call online car-hailing services. If he wasn't lucky enough to get a car and arrive in time, he guessed such was Wang Xu's fate. His conscience was clear because he had done everything within his power.
…
A black car drove across the street and parked in front of a BMW 7-series. Dai Linfeng took out his phone and called Tao Xiaofei.
"Xiaofei, can you see us?"
"Brother Feng, when do we begin?" Tao Xiaofei was extremely thrilled when he sat in the cab with a scantily-clad female in his arms.
From where he stood, Dai Linfeng could clearly see a guy practicing his punches on the embankment. He could also see streets between several old communities on the right side as well as a big iron pot filled with hot boiling water. "We do nothing and let other people do the work. Xiaofei, is it all right to park here? Will he be suspicious of our car?"
"It's fine. Don't worry, Bro Feng. Vehicles are always parked in disorder in this neighborhood, who will notice our car?" Tao Xiaofei made light of his worries.
Inside the black car, Qin Rui had to lower his head and curl his back to squeeze himself into the seat. He looked at the embankment and whispered, "It was indeed that guy. I wonder what Le plans to do with him…"
He was very curious and became excited, just like Tao Xiaofei.
…
After a while, Lou Cheng appeared on the other side of the street. Once he got out of the People's Park, he quickly jumped into a cab and hurried to the street very near to the park.
He did not approach Wang Xu when he saw them gathering at a breakfast stand near the intersection. He hid in the shadows of trees beside the street and waited with his hands in his pockets for the police to arrive. Wang Xu was about 50 meters away, and there were several trees between them.
…
Lou Cheng hoped there would be no unexpected incidents… As did Wang Xu. He prayed to God in his heart while waiting for the police. Unfortunately, God seemed to ignore his prayers considering that the brutal wolf-like Professional Ninth Pin was walking toward them along the street.
He was wearing black exercise clothes, looking sharp and robust. His eyes were cold and he seemed to have developed a habit of checking both sides of the street once in a while. Dai Linfeng, Qin Rui, Tao Xiaofei, and the others subconsciously held their breath and dared not breathe heavily for fear of being discovered.
As their car windows were darkly tinted, the Professional Ninth Pin noticed nothing unusual after glancing through the windows of their badly-parked cars. When he turned the corner into the street, in front of him was a breakfast stand selling noodles and that familiar iron spot. Five young men who looked like gangsters sat around a makeshift table.
"Are they just finishing their party in the bar?" The man dressed in black exercise clothes thought to himself after a quick glance.
However, his eyes narrowed after this glance because these five men looked a little nervous, and two of them seemed to have a hangover.
Wang Xu could feel his heart palpitating. He blamed the police for their slow actions when he reached for his gun on the waist. At this point, he had no other options but to shoot the man immediately. How could he take Le's fury if he stood down without any sound reason? Having his feet or hands cut off would be light punishments.
He exchanged glances with other four hatchet men and nodded slightly as an indication of approval.
All of a sudden, they stood up and took out their guns. Like stars in shoot'em-up movies, they aimed at the dangerous Professional Ninth Pin less than five meters away. This distance was close enough for them to hit the target.
At this moment, the man dressed in black exercise clothes let out a sudden roar as his eyes flashed like a beam of green light. He had momentum that brought Wang Xu and the other four hatchet men to a howling wilderness. In front of them was a scary giant wolf. They were terrified to death and stayed motionless for a second.
Within a second, it was the difference between the life and death. This man in black exercise clothes moved forward instead of drawing back and went off like an arrow to confront his five enemies in several big strides. He straightened his muscles, turned sideways and lowered his shoulder to bring an explosive force. He slammed his body into the first hatchet man with earrings and successfully knocked off his gun. So powerful was that crash that he broke that hatchet man's ribs and made him scream in pain.
With a crack, that hatchet man was pushed back and smashed into Wang Xu and other two hatchet men. As a result, they lost their balance and could not shoot without an accurate aim. Everything went as the Professional Ninth Pin planned.
At the same time, the man in black exercise clothes straightened his waist and back to bring out all his strength, turned sideways to avoid any random shots, tightened muscles of his thighs and threw one high whip kick by straightening his instep. The kick hit the tattoo man who did not step back directly on the temple.
Bam!
When this explosive force went through his body, the hatchet man with a tattoo could only feel that his brain was about to explode, and he lost his consciousness right away. Under that scary force, his eyeballs were beaten out of its sockets and traced an arc into the big iron pot. Instantly, boiling water inside the pot turned red.
"This…" Qin Rui, Tao Xiaofei, and the others all felt shaken by what they had just seen. It looked like they had met a demon from hell.
Killing people by a whip kick was not something to fear. What troubled them was that he squeezed out someone's eyeballs using only a whip kick!
How frightening his force was!
Once they regained their balance, Wang Xu and other two hatchet men could no longer think of their companions and pulled the trigger immediately without careful aiming.
Bang! Bang! Bang! After three loud crashing sounds, the man dressed in black exercise clothes disappeared all of a sudden. He fell to the ground and rolled forward in a tucked position, successfully avoiding the three gunshots.
With one roll, he came before that hatchet man with puffy eyes. However, instead of standing up, he straightened his back and gave his body a push by pressing the left hand downward. Then he clenched his right hand into a fist and brutally threw it towards the space between the man's legs.
Bang! That hatchet man with puffy eyes was hit under the belt and let out a shrill cry. He dropped the gun and writhed on the ground in agony with both hands covering his crotch. Blood and piss kept coming out from his body.
When they saw that, Wang Xu who missed all his shots and the trembling hatchet man lost all their guts and morale. What replayed in their minds was their companion's eyeballs flying in the air, his two dark and empty sockets, and his face mixed with blood and water along with the ground soaked in piss.
They had no time to think, and they cracked under such pressure. They hurried to the other side of the street by instinct and missed the best opportunity to fight back with their guns.
The man dressed in black exercise clothes were relieved upon seeing them flee the scene. He had reached his limit during that quick battle. So he was lucky that his enemies were scared away, otherwise, he would take one bullet or two because he was given no time to stand up and take another round of attack. Suppose he was lying motionless on the ground, then only God could know whether he ended up dead, disabled, or surviving without injuries.
He stood up with a carp flip and took the big iron pot from the owner who was very paralyzed with fright. Then he made several big strides and flung the pot of boiling water forward.
"Ouch!"
Wang Xu and the left hatchet men, attacked by the boiling water, fell on the ground with a scream, followed by waves of wailing. The man in black exercise clothes ditched the pot and caught up with his enemies in big strides. One could sense the brutality from his forehead. He pulled his strength from shoulder to waist, waist to leg, leg to tip of the toe and swung a kick at the throat of the left hatchet man.
The scream suddenly stopped. The man in black exercise clothes had a somber look and was about to give another low kick at Wang Xu.
Bam!
Qin Rui saw a leg blocking this deadly kick.
When he looked up, he recognized the young man in a black-edged white suit.
"Lou Cheng!"
Inside the car, Qin Rui suddenly straightened his back and accidentally banged his head on the car roof.
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Chapter 91: Three Hits, Four Strikes, One Life
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
"Lou Cheng!"
The one hundred and ninety centimeters tall Qin Rui had never harbored any good impression towards a compact car. This was because he had to lower his head and bent his waist before he could sit inside it. But right now he had completely forgotten about this as he straightened his back and hit the top of the car with his head. He instinctively began to grimace in pain, but none of these happenings were able to water down the shock, astonishment, and bewilderment in his eyes.
My eyes aren't mistaken, the one standing in the way of the man dressed in black exercise clothes is my high school classmate Lou Cheng!
Why does he show up here?
On what basis does he think he could stand down that most dangerous Professional Ninth Pin Mighty One?
Didn't he see that terrible 'demon' kicking someone in the temple and caused their eyes to 'burst' out of their sockets? Didn't he see that sinister scene where the ground was soaked in mingling shit, piss, and blood?
How reckless of him to show up when he has only trained in martial arts for half a year!
Qin Rui subconsciously wanted to jump out to help and save the high school student he had only met a few days ago, but when the horrifying scenes were replayed in his mind, great fear gripped his heart tightly, preventing him from moving even a muscle. He could do nothing but watch with open eyes.
"Lou Cheng!"
Inside the BMW, Tao Xiaofei's eyes nearly bulged out of its sockets. His hand gripping his female companion tightened so much that the other party abruptly pulled back her hand and cried out in pain.
To Tao Xiaofei, Lou Cheng's appearance in this scene was like something out of a science fiction. He absolutely had neither the reason nor the strength to get involved in such a terrible conflict!
He himself had nearly pissed his pants when the man dressed in black exercise clothes had ruptured his opponent's groin with a single punch. How dare Luo Cheng, your usual goody-two-shoes student face down this devil-like Mighty One?
Tao Xiaofei felt like he could imagine Lou Cheng's miserable conclusion already. He would piss and shit his pants, break many bones, and maybe even lose some parts of his body.
The feeling that he could not bear to see such a sight rose in his heart. He turned his head away, took out his phone and planned to call the police.
Lou Cheng, I know no martial arts and I dare not stop him. I can only do what I can for you!
Lou Cheng would probably be dead at least seventeen to eighteen times by the time the police received the call, mobilized, and arrived at the scene…
"Lou Cheng… "
Dai Linfeng and the other disciples of Gushan Martial Arts School had a relatively deep impression of Lou Cheng for being the first to point out the problem of the 'influence of the mind.' However, they had no reason to risk their own lives for a stranger, and they even looked towards Qin Rui in unison. The second Qin Rui showed any signs of impulsive actions, they would immediately stop him.
That Professional Ninth Pin was just too scary! Was this how a Mighty Ones who grew up between the line of life and death looked like?
It was at this moment Dai Linfeng's eyes became filled with surprize when he saw a group of police cars speeding over from his rearview mirror. They did not turn on the police light, nor did they sound the siren.
"The police cars had arrived? But it was still too late. The unlawful parking here turned this road into a one-way street. It would take them at least one minute to arrive. Greenhorn Lou Cheng would've literally been beaten into smithereens by then… " he thought with a wandering mind.
…
When Lou Cheng stepped on the wet ground, he himself wasn't sure why he had shown up at this place.
According to his original plan, he would at best lend a helping hand to Wang Xu and avoid fighting such a scary and strong enemy to the death. However, when he saw Wang Xu being burned by hot water, rolling and screaming horribly on the floor while his familiar face became distorted beyond recognition, an impulse seized him to approach the scene rapidly from the shadows beside the road and ultimately block that kick that would have been fatal.
Since he had already acted and faced down a terrible Mighty Ones who nearly took a life with each strike, Lou Cheng immediately tossed all of his hesitating thoughts, put gravity to his heart, protected his Dantian with Qi, held his spirit and entered into a meditative state, and 'froze' his thoughts into concentrated pockets of water.
This was a true life and death battle without any referees or audiences!
The victor shall live, and the loser shall perish!
If he hadn't had the experience of actual combat when he saved Wang Xu earlier, he might be trembling right now and be unable to concentrate his mind. Thankfully, the worst-case scenario had not happened and he even had the advantage of knowing himself and his enemy. He knew that his opponent had a secret mind discipline, he knew that the police would be arriving at any moment, and he knew that his opponent was absolutely not willing to fight a prolonged battle. On the other hand, his enemy knew nothing about him at all!
This might be where his hope to survive lay.
The thoughts that passed through his mind took only a split second. Lou Cheng pressed his tongue against his teeth and adjusted his muscles continuously. He had prepared himself and had a plan to fight against his enemy:
He would use the mercurial balance to contend with his enemy, forcing him to be unwilling to be in a tangle and back off on his own!
When the man dressed in black exercise clothes saw that a spirited youngster with calm eyes had come out to stop him, he let out a humph and looked imposing once more. A green light flashed across his eyes as he planned to end the battle as soon as possible.
Lou Cheng immediately felt a change in his surroundings. The streets flowing with boiled water and blood transformed into an empty and desolate wasteland. A gigantic wolf howled at the moon and summoned the hidden fears and terrors inside his heart.
He had expected this, and he did not attempt to fight his own emotions. Instead, he bit the tip of his tongue.
Pain assaulted his senses, and the illusion vanished. Before him, the man dressed in black exercise clothes shook his left arm like he was swinging a large spear and stabbed right towards him. He was so fast that Lou Cheng could not rock his gravity in time and move out of the way.
The lightning struck, the fire burned, and a snow mountain abruptly collapsed in his mind as Lou Cheng blocked outward with Mega Avalanche and Lightning and Fire stance. He did not assume a sitting, waist heavy position to avoid solidifying his center of gravity and losing his mobility.
Bam!
Lou Cheng's right arm had just blocked the man dressed in black exercise clothes' fist when he felt a wave of sudden pain where they touched each other. It was as if several dozens of needles were stabbed into his flesh and stirring constantly!
He was mentally prepared and capable of enduring the pain even if this punch was to break or fracture his bones. But now, the needle-like pain was so sudden and so sharp that it felt as if he had touched a burning iron pot. Instinctively, he abruptly swung his right arm to the side.
This one swing opened up his chest and stomach fully!
The man dressed in black exercise clothes who had used his ultimate attack from the beginning pulled no punches as he withdrew his right fist slightly before throwing it out like lightning. With crackling noise and explosive strength, the fist flew towards Lou Cheng's chest. The whistling wind splashed across his face like a declaration of the reaper.
His center of gravity rocked, and Lou Cheng put strength into his right leg. His body abruptly turned half a circle backward and sideways, allowing him to avoid the punch barely. He watched it brush past his own chest.
If he had assumed a sitting, waist heavy stance just now, he would be severely injured even if he was not killed on the spot!
In the face of such circumstances, Lou Cheng stretched out his left hand rapidly without a second thought and accurately caught the right wrist his enemy had failed to withdraw in time. He was just about to lift it and give it a shake.
This was one of the moves in Big or Small Hand Wrap imitating the movements of a snake catcher. If a poisonous snake were caught and given a shake this way, every joint in its body would be shaken loose. Meanwhile, if an enemy were to suffer a shake like this, the use of delicate force would cause the joints of their entire arm from finger to shoulder to be shaken loose!
Mercurial balance? The man dressed in black exercise clothes had no time to express his surprize. His chest abruptly swelled up and contracted in succession. His throat squirmed as he opened his mouth, letting out a roar that seemed to come from the deepest depth of darkness.
"Dark!"
There was a buzz. Lou Cheng's inner ears shook, and his mind rumbled. Even his vision had blurred momentarily, as the strength in his left arm was subconsciously scattered. His center of gravity couldn't help but sink downwards.
The man dressed in black exercise uniform pulled back his right arm, first moving his left arm in front of his chest before drawing a curve with his right. Like the full force straight thrust of a large spear, his hand struck out with a pop sound and leaped straight at Lou Cheng's neck.
If this blow hit, then he would be dead for sure!
Lou Cheng's hair stood up on their end instinctively in the face of danger. A part of his mind had cleared up during the instant the man dressed in black exercise clothes withdrew his right arm and moved his left arm. While forcefully suppressing the pain of dizziness in his head, and not caring to hold back his full strength any longer, he hastily lifted his right arm and fired a hammering strike within a narrow space, activating abrupt explosive force directly and attempting to block the incoming fist.
"Bang!"
A rapid and robust energy broke out, a whiff of flame became 'ignited', and it overflowed and scorched the surface of the enemy's fist.
Abrupt explosive force hand-to-hand fight, and the Power of Blaze!
Hiss! Subject to the instinctive reaction of the human body, the man dressed in black exercise clothes subconsciously threw his left arm sideways as if he had touched a candle flame just like Lou Cheng just now.
It was this one swing of the arm that became the opportunity Lou Cheng seized to twist the strength of his entire body into one, transmitting it through his back and down to his thigh before he tightened his muscles and whipped out his left leg right in between the legs of the man dressed in black exercise clothes!
I'll kill you while you're sick!
The look on the face of the man dressed in black exercise clothes immediately changed. He could not employ a move to defend himself in time, so he could only sandwich his thighs together like he was holding in a piss. He used the muscles of his thighs to form the first line of defense. At the same time, he lowered his body and formed a claw with his right arm, pressing it downwards so as to form the second line of defense.
Bam! Lou Cheng struck the opponent's compressed muscles around his inner thigh, but he did not exert more strength in an attempt to break through his defense lines. Instead, he quickly adjusted his own center of gravity, borrowed a rebounding force and withdrew his left leg. He charged forwards like lightning and opened his arms wide in the shape of a bow. Lightning poured and fire spread in his mind, bringing forth the collapse of a show mountain and the ravaging force of a white stream.
Lightning and Fire Stance! Mega Avalanche!
"Bang!" The bowstring was tightened to the max, and his two fists whistled out from left and right and passed by his ears. His fists tore through the air as they flew towards the two sides of the man dressed in black exercise clothes' temple with unstoppable force.
Since the man dressed in black exercise clothes had pressed down with his right hand earlier, he was unable to withdraw it in time. Meanwhile his legs were pressed inward, he could not do an Iron Bridge Move plus backflip, or roll out of the way. He could only do a frontal sweep with his left arm to block the two punches.
Bam!
The hastily thrown left arm of the man dressed in black exercise clothes was directly knocked away by Lou Cheng. With strength still behind his fists, he struck his opponent in both the left and right side of his temple with a loud bang!
A loud 'dong' seemed to resonate in the air. The eyes of the man dressed in black exercise clothes bulged and nearly escaped its sockets. Blood flew out of his nose, ears, the corners of his mouth and eyes. His expression slowly turned blank as fear and unwillingness became frozen in his pupils.
Lou Cheng's left feet touched down as he withdrew both his fists. He panted heavily while staring straight into his opponent's eyes. This was more tiring than fighting a hundred matches.
I killed someone…
A life and death battle was completely different from what he had imagined. There were no probing strikes, no holding back, and no ultimate trump card left to reveal and compete at the very end of a match. There was only the full force eruption of one's might from the very beginning, and fatal strikes that left both parties hovering between the line of life and death.
Unless they were setting up a trap, no one was willing to leave their ultimate attack at the latter half of a fight. After all, there was the likelihood that they might not walk away from the battle alive since the enemy would not cooperate with your thoughts. The enemy would only think to create an opportunity in the shortest time possible and kill you with a single strike since the longer the battle was stretched, the more things might change.
If it wasn't because his opponent did not know him at all, if it wasn't because he had mastered the mercurial balance and the Power of Blaze, and if it wasn't because he was prepared against his opponent's secret mind discipline a long time ago, his lack of resolution and not going all out at the beginning were enough to kill him twice already!
Of course the man dressed in black exercise clothes before him was unwilling. The ultimate attacks his opponent used were something like his own 'mercurial balance' or 'the Power of Blaze'. His opponent did not have the chance to unleash his own 'Death Sect' or 'Dark Sect' fighting technique that was similar to '24 Blizzard Strikes'.
This was the real life and death combat. Three hits, four moves, and one life!
The look on the man dressed in black exercise clothes faded completely as his body collapsed. Blood poured out of all seven apertures of his head, and he died with open eyes.
…
Qin Rui had been watching the place where the battle ensued closely all this time. Since there was some distance between them, and the man dressed in black exercise clothes had blocked most part of his views, he could only vaguely see that Lou Cheng had not collapsed within one move as he predicted.
"No way, could he actually have some skill?" Qin Rui was both surprized and puzzled. While his thoughts swirled, he suddenly saw that the man in black exercise clothes stopped his movements and 'stood' on the spot.
Is Lou Cheng dead? A tightness gripped his heart, a sadness burst forth, and he subconsciously wanted to open the car door. However, it was at this moment he saw the man dressed in black exercise clothes collapsing before his eyes, revealing bit by bit the figure dressed in a martial arts suit that was white on the inside and black on the outside, revealing a youngster who was panting slightly but looked calm and collected as ever, and revealing a face that was both familiar and at the same time extraordinarily strange to him.
Qin Rui's hands froze on the car door's handle. He felt as if every sound around him had disappeared.
"Lou Cheng… "
He shouted this name just like at the beginning, except this time it became as soft as dream murmurings.
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Chapter 92: You Can Leave
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
It was becoming bright outside as the glimmer of dawn began to unveil everything in the world. A noodle stall was set at the intersection of the road to the river levee and the street leading to the older residential communities.
The simple tables and chairs of the stall were toppled over in disorder. There were bowls, noodles, and chopsticks scattered everywhere, and an iron pot was lying upside down a dozen steps from the stall. A gray-haired stall keeper lay paralyzed behind the natural gas furnace trembling with fear in his eyes. There was a hideous, eyeless, corpse that was covered in p*ss and sh*t lying on the ground not far from him. In addition, there were two hatchet men curled up and clutching at different parts of their body respectively. The two men were either moaning softly or unconscious, with their lives, swiftly slipping from their grasp. The surrounding area was bathed in blood and urine.
Three men were lying on the wet ground at the other end of the street more than twenty meters away. One man was curled up on his side with burn marks all over his neck and behind his ears. His neck was twisted abnormally. The second man was in black exercise clothes and bleeding out of every facial orifice while reeking of his own excrement. The third person, Wang Xu, was curled up and trembling. His pistol had been tossed aside and had become covered with mud, glimmering in the soft light.
In the midst of this hellish scene, there was a boy in a white martial arts suit that was bordered in black. He was closer to a man than an immature boy. While panting slightly, he stood straight and erected with a confused expression on his face.
Four police cars came, carrying a dozen police officers who were led by Chief Xing. When they arrived, what they saw was a picture scroll covered in a little bit of blood, terror, and strangeness.
What Qin Rui saw was terrifying and he couldn't believe his eyes!
Honestly, after seeing that the man in the black exercise clothes had been able to maul and kill with only one blow heavily, Qin Rui was so frightened he began to tremble.
I have seen some Professional Ninth Pin matches, broadcasts of preliminaries and various Video Highlights before. So, it is not a secret that someone can make these precise blows to the body achieving this level of damage. However, this only happens in the arena, with restrictions, and where the referees can call a timeout. It's quite different from this situation where life or death can be decided with one blow.
Within several moves, as a professional Ninth Pin, the man in the black exercise clothes perfectly displayed the competence of observation, reaction, willpower, resolution, and improvisation. He also reflected the other aspects of martial arts, such as cruelty, misery, bloodiness, and terror. He gave Qin Rui an unforgettable impression. He was like a 'demon' from the dark that made him lose all the courage and confidence to fight against him. The only thing I could do was fear and tremble.
Fortunately, this formidable fighter, this horrible 'demon' was dead instantly. However, he didn't die from firearms or lethal weapons, but he was beaten to death by another fighter!
The one who beat him was my high school mate, Lou Cheng! We had just met just a few days ago.
The one who was reputed after only practicing martial arts for six months!
The one who always acted in a very gentle and kind manner.
The one who used to lend his homework to me so I could copy. He was unable to fight during that time.
The one who was funny at the school reunion party and always talked of his martial arts competency in a joking tone.
He was not joking…
This may have been the greatest shock and astonishment for Qin Rui in his 19 years of life, and it made him bend down and hunch his neck. He was struck dumb while next to the window. Reflected in his eyes from the window was the boy wearing a white martial arts suit that was bordered in black.
"D*mn it," Qin Rui thought, "I just remembered that I asked him to show me a few moves, and now, here they are!"
Within several moves, the 'demon' was killed!
…
"Lou Cheng…"
Tao Xiaofei almost glued his face to the car window to try and make out the looks of the shadow. However, no matter the angle, he was always too far in the backseat.
The man in the black exercise clothes gave him a great fright and he almost p*ssed himself. The urge was so great that he wanted to urinate in the car. Tao Xiaofei could see the scene of eyes bursting out of heads, brutal images flashing before him. The sounds of misery were echoing when someone's penis was hit. He felt that it should be reaching the limits of the human body and yet it seemed to be completely invincible.
However, at this time, the invincible man was lying on the ground, just like a monument that was strongly cracked by 'someone'.
He knew this 'someone' though he had never thought…
"Has he been hiding his skills from the high school?" Tao Xiaofei muttered to himself uncontrollably and completely forgot that there was a charming beauty beside him.
"Fortunately, I never offended him … Fortunately, I didn't agree with the proposal which Brother Feng provided him with… "
"It's not reasonable, what is the advantage of hiding these skills? People who can do martial arts are everywhere. Hiding for what? Showing it off and getting some compliments is better, isn't it?"
"Oh my gosh, would everyone show such great improvement if they quit smoking and drinking? How f*cking dare I frown on him at that time!"
"Maybe there is some possibility to save our relationship?"
Thoughts would remain thoughts, at this time, Tao Xiaofei Wouldn't dare get out of the car and try to get close enough to greet Lou Cheng. He felt that if Lou Cheng even glanced at him he would p*ss his pants, really…
…
Dai Linfeng and other ancient mountain martial arts disciples were all shocked, but not as shocked as Qin Rui and Tao Xiaofei who were classmates with Lou Cheng for three years. After all, they simply didn't know what he was like before.
But still, they were all so deeply shocked. This Mighty one, the man in the black sweat suit, was majestic-looking and even looked like he could kill all of them just a moment ago. However, he was soon beaten to death by Lou Cheng.
There was a contrast, there was a distinction!
At this moment, the same idea came into Dai Linfeng and the others' mind:
He is invincible to the Dan stage!
Fortunately, Qin Rui wouldn't be dragged down by bungling Tao Xiaofei to clash with this expert who is invincible to the core with Qi state…
Damn it! How lucky Mingwei Martial Arts School was! They unexpectedly had an emergency just to avoid competing with Lou Cheng!
…
A cold wind was blowing, carrying the scent of blood, Xing Chengwu (Director Xing) looked at Lou Cheng who was among the wounded or dead. Standing there Lou Cheng looked like a crane among a flock of chickens. Xing Chengwu was stunned for a while but soon shook off the stupor. He waved his hands and said to his subordinates who were prepared to shoot, "Don't be nervous, he's one of us. You, quickly preserve the scene and see if anyone is still alive, you can rescue the injured while cooperating with the coming ambulances."
Before departing, the experienced director knew that if anything had happened, there would be several injuries. So, he directly contacted the hospital to ask for some ambulances to arrive at the same time. Running empty was better than wasting valuable saving time!
After he finished giving orders, Director Xing looked at Lou Cheng who was still standing stunned. The Director quickly came up to him and then said clearly,
"Lou Cheng, What happened? Are you OK?"
"Director Xing, I, I was angry, so, I didn't hold back during the fight." Lou Cheng had come around a little bit and then quickly explained, "I only hit him, and he hit others."
Director Xing replied with 'hum' and turned around to the senior officers and subordinates, to whom he said, "Arrange people to record confessions from the witnesses. Look for more witnesses."
"This is Lou Cheng, the one who called the police today. After receiving some information, he called me through an elder. Because of time constraints, he was nearby so I entrusted him to come to see whether or not he could save some lives. Haha, he is really a good Samaritan student that is also strong."
"Entrustment? When did Director Xing entrust me?" he thought to himself. Lou Cheng was confused for a while, but intelligently, he didn't say a word to refute the claim.
Director Xing issued orders, one by one, and arranged everything in an orderly manner. When he saw the ambulances arrive at the scene, he told a policewoman, "Anyway, there are some procedures we still have to go through. You record Lou Cheng's confession, and we can't show him favoritism. Strictly follow the rules."
When director Xing wouldn't notice, the policewomen twitched her mouth. "You have said that we 'can't' show any favoritism, which means, we must show some favoritism. Only you have said he is a good student."
Besides, if you really want to follow the procedures, they all need to be brought back to the police station for their confessions.
"Oh, this is my cell phone, you can check the record and prove that Lou Cheng called me through an elder, as I have said I communicated with him." Director Xing tossed over his phone.
The policewomen caught the phone as she said to Lou Cheng, "Lou Cheng, we can go to the car for recording."
Lou Cheng nodded his head and followed her silently to the police car. He was feeling quite depressed.
I killed someone…
I ended a life…
This feeling has me really mixed…
However, the shock of killing a man by his own hands was neutralized by the man in the black exercise clothes who had made these bloody scenes. It was diluted even more by the shadows who were rolling around with their eyes bursting out and hands covering their private parts. This made him feel chivalrous and he didn't feel as guilty. The psychological shadow wasn't that much anymore.
"Uh … Wang Xu … " Lou Cheng seemed to finally sober up and turned to look at Wang Xu who was being carried to the ambulance.
Wang Xu was confined by handcuffs and his eyes were unfocused. He looked like a frightened joey and was trembling ceaselessly.
"Witnessing the scene just now, I think he would become a coward. Whether there is more trauma is also hard to say, but after that, he'll certainly not want to fight again. That's good, at least he can resume a normal life after being released from prison and is no longer involving himself in underworld things. Ah, the burns are concentrated on the back so that they wouldn't disfigure him." Noticing Lou Cheng's attention, Director Xing said with a smile.
Obviously, no boss will want to have a hatch man who can't fight.
"That's good…" Lou Cheng repeated this sentence and took a deep breath on the way to the police car. Where he underwent the policewoman's inquiry. This included his name, age, school, and other personal information, including all of the things that had happened through the day. He answered everything honestly, only omitting one thing and adding one sentence.
What he left out was his relationship with Wang Xu. He described Wang Xu as an ordinary childhood friend and explained that they hadn't seen each other for about three years. Recently, though, they had met on two occasions and he let Wang Xu know that his master was a Mighty One with a physical invulnerability. What he added was that Director Xing entrusted him.
Once he was able to think clearly, he was able to comprehend the intentions of Director Xing. Of course, the fear, fright, and melancholy, mixed with other emotions, were also coming one after another, and he felt quite conflicted.
I shouldn't be so impulsive in the future. I almost died here today and hovered between life and death twice!
If he had known more about me, I would have been beaten by him. If that had happened, my righteous ardor would have died, my chasing love with all my heart would have died, the splendid future I've long dreamed of would have died. What would be left is just a lonely grave to tell my regretful story.
"Why am I here? What's wrong with a one night stand here? Not allowed? Won't allow us to have car sex?" At this time, he heard a familiar voice.
Turning around, Lou Cheng was surprized to see that Tao Xiaofei, Qin Rui, Dai Linfeng and the others were there.
What a coincidence!
No…
At second thought, Lou Cheng held back the impulse to ask and pretended not to see or hear anything. "Maybe I can ask them through the QQ or mobile phone. Now it is not the time if I'm to avoid trouble."
With his keen perception, Lou Cheng noticed that Tao Xiaofei was slightly nervous and feeling panicked. However, no matter who witnessed that scene, it was strange for a normal man not to feel panic or nervous. As for coming out from the bar and having car sex in the early morning, this was his style. But, Dai Linfeng, Qin Rui and the other people's explanations were quite far-fetched. They said that after receiving Tao Xiaofei's call, they came here to meet him and after he finished having sex, they would all eat breakfast together.
However, the police that was questioning the people from Gushan Martial Arts School seemed to have a good relationship with Dai Linfeng. He didn't care. They were just passersby and so far, there were no signs that they were involved with this case or got in touch with anyone involved in this case. So, after checking their communication records, doing confessions and taking down their contact information, the police didn't want to waste their time and asked them to leave.
After finishing the transcripts, the policewomen asked to see the stall keeper's confession. She asked some more questions of Tao Xiaofei, Qin Rui, Dai Linfeng and the others after getting them out of the car and questioning them face to face. Then she talked to her colleagues for a while who were investigating the scene and examining the body. After that, she went back to her original place and said to Lou Cheng,
"Lou Cheng, you can leave."
"I can leave?" Lou Cheng was surprised.
"Anyhow, a man was killed by me and I can leave so easily?" he thought.
He was ready to go to the police station for half a day or even two full days.
The policewoman looked up at him and casually said, "Yes, you can leave, if you want some 'courageous' or 'chivalrous' bonus, you can call us, and we'll help you apply."
"Uh… " Lou Cheng felt a little bit speechless. He was happy to hear that he didn't need to go to the police station. He didn't want to talk anymore so he went up to Director Xing and with a tentative smile said, "Thank you, Director Xing."
"Don't mention it, call me uncle Xing, and that's fine. A great master produces a brilliant disciple!" Director Xing said with a thumbs-up, "Go back home, do some adjustments, don't leave any trauma untended, and don't worry about the follow-up things. Your master found me through the provincial department."
Along the way home, Lou Cheng didn't rush. His thoughts were diverging and he couldn't concentrate.
Suddenly, he heard a horn blaring. He turned around and saw that Tao Xiaofei had parked his BMW 7-series next to him. Tao Xiaofei got out and said with a little nervous but respectful voice,
"Lou Cheng, uh, my dear brother, I'll take you back home."
Through the car window, Lou Cheng saw Qin Rui and Dai Linfeng.
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Chapter 93: Poison Sting Force
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Regathering his swirling thoughts, Lou Cheng nodded at Tao Xiaofei,
"Okay!"
No matter why they had appeared in the vicinity, he still should warn them not to spread the news until it was abuzz everywhere.
That Professional Ninth Pin Mighty One obviously had an inheritance, and he must have some social networks of his own. Someone might just come over to ask about the details of the incident and create a lot of trouble.
Joy flashed past Tao Xiaofei's face as he hurriedly returned to his seat. He watched as Lou Cheng opened the co-driver's door and sat in calmly and naturally.
The car started and drove towards the front. However, no one was talking inside the car as an unusual silence enveloped them all. Lou Cheng could see that Qin Rui and Dai Linfeng at the back seat, and Tao Xiaofei at the driver's seat were all acting a little reserved. In fact, they were even brimming with a kind of emotion called reverence and appeared extremely distant.
While the car sped on quietly, Tao Xiaofei could endure this stiff atmosphere no longer. Therefore, he gulped down some saliva, forced some courage into himself and put on a forced smile, saying, "Brother Lou, I didn't know that y-you're so strong."
"If our positions were switched, I wouldn't have believed or imagined that it could have happened either." Lou Cheng's emotions hadn't recovered yet as he forced a strained smile and answered, "Please call me Cheng, Okay? Brother or senior is just too excessive."
Tao Xiaofei's spirits rose, and his smile became a lot more natural. "No, I think it's better if I call you Brother Lou. Otherwise, I just can't feel comfortable, you know? You're a few months older than me anyway. Oh right, when did you start training in martial arts? How did you become so strong all of a sudden? Oh my god, I was scared witless just now!"
Suddenly, Lou Cheng recalled the words his supervisor Zhao Qiang often said while they were chatting during the holidays. He tweaked his words a little and smiled bitterly, "Humans mainly rely on themselves to strive for something, but sometimes they have to consider the planned fate has in store for them too. I've never practiced martial arts before, and I never knew I had a talent in this respect. Thankfully, I got carried away by a whim, joined the Songcheng University Martial Arts Club and met a good coach. That is why I didn't let down the profound blessings of the heaven."
When they heard his explanation, Qin Rui and Dai Linfeng at the back seat quietly exhaled, feeling that they had obtained a good explanation for the doubts in their hearts. This was how the world was. Some people were born smart and had incredible intelligence, capable of producing results that affected a whole century at just twenty years old or so of age. Some people were born with extraordinary talent, and wielded martial strength that exceeded a normal person's at least five times, while growing at ten or tens of times the usual speed. For example, the reincarnated Living Buddha Shi Shang given refuge by Daxing Temple had entered physical invulnerability state at just twenty years old. Whom could they get reason with if they were to fuss over something like this?
"C-Cheng, I thought you were joking when we had our student gathering that day… " Qin Rui also loosened and interrupted.
Tao Xiaofei immediately let out an 'aiya' and said, "Brother Lou, I must apologize to you here. I wasn't trying to target you on purpose, but at the time I just thought that how could a person who had just practiced the martial art for half a year have the face to use this as an excuse not to drink alcohol? Not to mention that you had started halfway. It was obvious to me that you didn't plan to rely on it as a living. But now? Alright, I admit that I'm mistaken and blind!"
Lou Cheng smiled at him and said, "I hadn't covered it up on purpose; it's not like this is something that I can't tell anyone about. I couldn't do anything about it if you guys took it as a joke and refused to believe me after all. I couldn't have rolled up my sleeves and beat you guys to prove myself, right?"
While speaking, he moved his right hand and suddenly felt that his arm was still hurting. It was the part where he had clashed against that Professional Ninth Pin Mighty One for the first time!
Lou Cheng felt his blood ran cold as he stopped talking, opened the cuff and rolled his sleeve upwards. He found twenty or so densely packed red swellings lined together near his elbow, prickling faintly with pain.
"Is… is this the wound that Professional Ninth Pin left on you?" Tao Xiaofei took a glance and suffered a might shock. He nearly drove the car into a drain.
Qin Rui and Dai Linfeng poked their heads forward and gave it a close glance. They all sucked in a cold breath because the wound looked incredibly eerie. It was enough to cause a trypophobia to feel numb all over.
Lou Cheng inspected the wound seriously and touched it once with his left hand. He confirmed that the wound was only red and swollen, and not bleeding. It did not look like it was poked by needles either.
He was worried that there might be some hidden damage, so without even answering Tao Xiaofei's question, he took out his cell phone and called his own master.
The reason he didn't avoid Tao Xiaofei and the others before making the call was to use the reputation of a physical invulnerability Mighty One to intimidate them from babbling nonsense and spreading the news everywhere. Plus, he might need Tao Xiaofei's help just in case he needed to make a dive for the hospital.
A short burst of rings later, the line connected as Geezer Shi's familiar and rough voice came through. "How is it? The matter's been settled, hasn't it?"
"I guess you can say that… I failed to hold back an impulse and acted… " Lou Cheng answered guiltily.
Geezer Shi let out a 'heh' and said, "Acted? Tell me in detail."
Lou Cheng reiterated his choice to act under the urge of an internal struggle and impulse when he reached the scene before concluding, "I know this isn't wise, but the blood just rushed into my head in an instant."
Geezer Shi tsk-tsked and said, "Enough. I don't have a stupid disciple like you."
Before Lou Cheng could answer, he paused and let out a sigh. "That being said, who isn't impulsive when they are in the prime of their youth? There is a good proverb that says that the young who isn't impulsive is not brave. If you still act impulsively after you've entered maturity though, then we call that brainless. Remember this lesson."
"Yes, master." Lou Cheng changed the topic and brought up his injury, "Oh right, when I was fighting that person, the part where we came into contact with feels as if it had been pierced by a few dozens of needles. Right now it's all swollen up in a dense pack. Is this safe, master?"
Geezer Shi pondered for a moment before saying, "Tell me how it looks in detail."
When Lou Cheng was done, he let out a laugh. "And here I thought what it might be. It is actually the poison sting force evolved from the 'Poisonous Divine Fist' of Dark Infinite Sutra. If you had run into an expert, this force alone would have taken your life."
"Mm, the Dark Infinite Sutra is commonly referred as the divine art of the Dark Sect. During the era in which it was perfected, it absorbed the Taoist School's 'Lost Knowledge of Plague Sect' and mixed in the essence of witchcraft of Miaojiang. Upon reaching large attainment, this martial art could cause people to get sick and poisoned with every gesture. It was often that their opponents were killed before they failed to hold in a cough while fighting."
So, he was actually a Ninth Pin expert in the 'Dark Sect'… Lou Cheng had a flash of understanding before he said worriedly, "Master, how should I apply first aid to myself?"
"First aid, my ass! It's just the poison sting force of a mere Professional Ninth Pin. Buy an ointment you rub on mosquito bite wounds and apply it for three days. It'll recover naturally by then." Geezer Shi let out a laughing abuse.
Phew. Lou Cheng let out a sigh of relief. Between bouts of fright, the shadows in his mind for having killed someone for the first time seemed to have dissipated by a lot.
"Say, Master, do you think that the elder of an expert with inheritance like him would come here? Do you think that someone would come over and take revenge?" Lou Cheng brought up the other thing that was worrying him.
Geezer Shi let out a 'hmph' and said, "They'd need the ability to do that first!"
His tone eased a bit before he continued, "Fighters who live in darkness and roam between the lines of life and death like them have relatively loose relationship ties with each other to begin with. They were mentally prepared to greet the news of another's unexpected death since a long time ago. If they took revenge simply because someone committed some crime and got killed then these people would have been cleaned out and killed until not a speck was left since a long time ago. Did you really think that all these great forces, police and military are just for show?"
"Every circle had their own survival philosophy. That being said, we can't rule out the possibility of a blood relative taking a risk out of desperation. I'll ask Little Xing to turn this into a case where the police had shot and killed a fierce robber. Your involvement in the case will be concealed. The police have a reliable protection program for a good citizen who acted heroically for a just cause like you. The relevant parties will be informed so that the news isn't leaked."
It was only now Lou Cheng finally relaxed in full. As expected, his master had thoroughly thought through the matter. He gave his master a few words of thanks before hanging up the call. He was just about to warn Qin Rui and the others before Tao Xiaofei said in haste, "Don't worry, Brother Lou. I'll let this incident rot in my stomach and never show it off to the outside!"
Qin Rui and Dai Linfeng matched each other's gazes once before saying, "Cheng, you don't have to worry about us too. I'll immediately inform the rest of my fellow disciples to have a unified story. We'll say that it was a gunman who killed that Professional Ninth Pin, and that said gunman himself was killed along with fighter as well. Even the other four gunmen were either killed or severely injured by that Professional Ninth Pin."
"Thank you, you all." Lou Cheng responded with gratitude.
Dai Linfeng smiled and said, "This is as it should be. Don't worry, we won't even tell this to my master!"
His master was already old, but this friend before him might stay strong for another ten to twenty or so years. What's a little deceiving if he could make friends with Lou Cheng?
Although Qin Rui had claimed to warn his fellow disciples personally, in the end it was Dai Linfeng who stepped forth. He had no reputation in the eyes of his fellow disciples.
A few calls later, Dai Linfeng said with a stern look, "It's done. There're no problems now."
When he said this, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Cheng, if we invite you to represent Xiushan to participate in the preliminaries, would you agree? We can recommend you as a captain!"
Lou Cheng did not need to struggle with this decision. He shook his head right away. "No, the purpose of the real combat training we Songcheng University Martial Arts Club will be performing later, was to form a team and participate in the preliminaries ourselves."
"I see… " Dai Linfeng muttered in a low tone. He wasn't sure if he was disappointed or elated by this.
At this point, Tao Xiaofei's car had reached somewhere nearby Lou Cheng's house. He knew that Lou Cheng's residence was somewhere around this place, but he wasn't sure exactly which road or street it belonged to.
"Just stop here. I still need to buy some ointments." Lou Cheng didn't bring his wallet with him, but he still could pay by using his cell phone.
Tao Xiaofei hummed in agreement and appeared extremely obedient. His usual domineering attitude was absent.
Dai Linfeng asked in a seemingly casual tone, "Cheng, is your master the coach for Songcheng University Martial Arts Club?"
"Yeah. He's a physical invulnerability Mighty One in the past." Lou Cheng purpose emphasized this point.
Dai Linfeng, Tao Xiaofei and Qin Rui all froze in that instant. They nearly blurted out a series of 'no wonder'.
"I'll be leaving first. See you guys later." Lou Cheng did not dilly dally. He opened the door and got off the car.
Tao Xiaofei exhaled as he watched Lou Cheng walk far away before saying, "Incredible. Brother Lou is incredible."
He had just finished lamenting before he burst out laughing for some unfathomable reason. "I can show off now that I have a classmate and friend like this."
Qin Rui glanced once at Dai Linfeng with complicated feelings. "Are we going back to the martial arts gym?"
"Like hell we're going back there. Right now I need to calm myself down. My head is filled with that bloody scene and that devil-like person from earlier. Let's get a drink. We won't be scared if we're drunk." Tao Xiaofei interrupted and suggested.
"What's there to be afraid of? Just recall that your classmate is Lou Cheng, and that devil would be scared off himself." Qin Rui sighed as if in joking.
Dai Linfeng fell quiet for a moment before saying,
"I'm not going to drink then. I'm not going to drink ever again."
Even a genius like Lou Cheng had to quit smoking and drinking, let alone himself?
…
After buying an ointment and returning to his home, Lou Cheng pretended as if nothing had ever happened, ate the breakfast his mum prepared and went into his own room. He logged on to QQ and discovered that Yan Zheke had already sent him three messages. They were all sent at different times:
"I woke up early too today. I pulled myself out of my warm and comfortable blanket! I'm so awesome!"
"I've done exercising. What about you?"
"Are you still exercising?"
Once again, Lou Cheng felt a sense of lingering fear as he watched the messages. He was extremely regretful of his impulse earlier. He was this close from missing this messages forever.
Suddenly, he felt he should apologize sincerely to 'Coach Yan', even if he did not quite understand why he should apologize to her…
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Chapter 94: Gone with the Haze
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
Since he decided to admit his mistake, he had to level with Yan Zheke about this incident. Otherwise, she would be confused by his sudden apology.
Also, Lou Cheng honestly did not know what kind of reaction Yan Zheke would have after she learned of the situation. For a moment, Lou Cheng was quite hesitant, but after repeated consideration, he finally decided to come clean.
If Yan Zheke's family was well-connected in the local police department, there was a big chance that she would hear about what happened from other sources. By that time, the consequence of keeping such a big secret from her was more serious than him getting into this mess recklessly.
According to Cai Zongming, no one wanted to either be deceived by others or have the truth hidden from them. Men were this way, but women even more so!
Lou Cheng weighed the words and eased his worries over what he had done before the confession, then he sent a message without using any emojis.
"Coach Yan, I, I did something wrong today…"
Confessing required certain skills and speaking out was obviously not a good idea. On the contrary, revealing the truth to Yan Zheke little by little was rather appropriate. By doing so, he could carefully choose his words to make his behaviors more reasonable and minimize the impact on Yan Zheke, who should be given enough time to accept what he had done.
A while later, Yan Zheke sent a "bewildered" emoji and asked, "What have you done?"
Lou Cheng did not directly answer, and started from the beginning, "Today, when I was exercising, I suddenly received a phone call from Wang Xu. He said that their boss discovered traces of that Professional Ninth Pin and asked Wang Xu and other hatchet men take guns to intercept him. He felt very terrified and anxious about this operation."
"… therefore, you foolishly rushed over?" Yan Zheke replied without any emotions, as if she didn't know which one she should send.
"No, no." Lou Cheng hurriedly denied, "That Professional Ninth Pin was an underworld gangster with a secret mind discipline, let alone he had guns. I am not a Superman. I am just a normal guy who hasn't been certified as a Professional Ninth Pin. So, I did not have this confidence and courage to take him down alone. My first reaction was to call the police, but considering both parties had their connections in the police department, I decided to ask someone to find trustworthy police officers who could scare off both sides straight away. In this way, Wang Xu might keep his secret, as if nothing ever happened."
"I first considered calling you, but I thought you would need to ask a favor of your grandpa or your mom. During this process, anything unexpected might happen. Therefore, I went well-connected Coach Shi for help. He must know someone who can give me a hand."
"Sure enough, Coach Shi soon contacted Deputy Director Xing of Xiushan police…"
Lou Cheng meant to tell her little by little instead of typing a lengthy paragraph. However, he wasn't so strong psychologically, after what he had experienced, he could not completely calm down and was in a little bit of a hurry. Once he started talking, he wanted to immediately make things clear, telling her how he came up his plan at that moment.
Yan Zheke carried on with bewilderment, "You're dealing with it well, if we really encounter such a thing, I feel I can't handle it better than you. How can this be called doing something wrong?"
"After I made a phone call, I rushed over here…" Lou Cheng weakly said.
"…" After sending several ellipses, Yan Zheke appeared to blurt out her true feelings and replied without emoji, "Are you a fool? What is the use of you rushing over here? It is dangerous to be involved in this kind of thing!"
Lou Cheng hurried to clear himself, "I thought if Director Xing did not contact two sides in time and warn both sides to stop their operations, he might not catch up with them before the battle. Anyway, I planned to hide myself in their surrounding area. If possible, I could give him a hand, if not, I would not insist. My safety mattered the most."
After a minute of silence, Yan Zheke replied with a signing emoji, "I thought about it. If I were you, and Wang Xu were my best friend, I would also find it disturbing and do something stupid… All right, you just made a small mistake since you played it by ear and did not take shots in the dark, but be careful next time."
But I still got involved recklessly… Lou Cheng only thought to himself and dared not speak out. So he first described what he had seen, then according to intuition, he emphasized the coldness and brutality of that Professional Ninth Pin and the misery and helplessness of Wang Xu and the other hatchet men drenched in boiling water who threw away their pistols and rolled on the ground painfully. Last but not the least, he pointed out that Professional Ninth Pin intended to kill them all.
Of course, he didn't mention one hatchet man's eyeballs got beaten out. It was too bloody and Lou Cheng feared Yan Zheke might have a nightmare owing to this scene.
"…I was ignorant at that time, blood rushed directly to my head." Lou Cheng said cautiously.
"…" Yan Zheke replied after sending out another ellipse, "Therefore, you jumped out to help them? Are you okay? Have you been injured? "
Seeing Yan Zheke's priority was his safety made Lou Cheng's heart warm. He quickly typed, "I'm fine, just a little shocked. My mood is very complicated now and I can't calm down."
"That's good…" Yan Zheke sent out an emoji sitting motionlessly and panting, "I just pictured you in a plaster cast, covered in bandages, and you lay on the hospital bed like a mummy sending me messages…"
She did not wait for Lou Cheng's reply and instantly sent another message with a "a fierce face" emoji, "Do you know how serious this is? Afterwards, you still dare to act this impulsively? You relied on mercurial balance during the battle till the police arrived and scared away that Professional Ninth Pin?"
This was the only safe way she could imagine. After all, surviving from a Professional Ninth Pin by meeting strength with strength was impossible for Lou Cheng, especially that Professional Ninth Pin had been through life and death so many times. Unless Cheng made another breakthrough as he had done during the battle with Ye Youting, but it was unlikely to happen because breakthroughs could not happen twice in such a short period.
"No, I won…" Lou Cheng trembled when he recalled what happened out there, as if suffering from the post-traumatic stress disorder, so he jumped the part where he killed that Professional Ninth Pin.
"You won?" Yan Zheke replied along with a "dodge" emoji, and took a while to send back another message, "How did you win?"
Lou Cheng thought for a while and then quickly typed on the keyboard screen, "It is not easy to say. Let's do a video chat so that I can show you."
"Show me?" Yan Zheke sent an emoji with question marks coming from one's head, and immediately sent a request for video chat.
Lou Cheng immediately accepted and soon saw Yan Zheke on the screen. She was dressed in fluffy white home clothes, lying on a bear shaped doll, hair rolled up with a hairpin revealing her slender white neck. Her cheeks were slightly rosy as if she just came out from the shower. Her eyes were clear and clean, looking smart and cute.
She frowned and pursed her lips. It looked as if she was adjusting her image in the video. She seriously said, "Tell me, how did you win? Tell me everything, otherwise, I will give you some punishments!"
Looking at her delicate figure, listening to her soft and familiar voice, Lou Cheng's trembling body became still, his heart became calm, and he put his hand before the screen and said, "See for yourself."
At the same time as he said that, he used his thumb to rub his middle finger, making a burning flame.
Yan Zheke's expression instantly became vivid, a pair of black and white eyes open wide. Her delicateness and elegance disappeared without a trace, but she was still beautiful and cute.
"Fire…Did you awaken the The Power of Blaze? After that battle with You Youting?" She soon figured everything out.
Lou Cheng nodded and said, "Although the temperature is high, it is rather weak since the wind extinguishes this fire easily. I can only use this skill when it's combined with a hand-to-hand fight in abrupt explosive force. When I awakened, I meant to tell you immediately, but I also intended to surprise you and perform a magic show for you when school starts."
In fear of getting Yan Zheke mad at him keeping a secret, he hurriedly explained his original idea. However, girls didn't mind or even liked this sort of secret. After all, they knew boys just wanted to surprise them.
"Aha, you learn how to play magic now." Yan Zheke joked, eyebrows raised to reveal her happiness. "Your enemy did not know you had this special skill and its temperature was high. If he got burnt in a hurry, he may respond naturally, giving you the best chance of winning. No wonder you can win. And what happened next?"
Lou Cheng took a deep breath. What filled in his mind was that Professional Ninth Pin's eyes before he died. There were shock and unwillingness in it. He decided to give an honest reply.
"Between life and death, I couldn't withhold my strength ,so I killed him…"
"Killed him…" Yan Zheke whispered. She originally wanted to say something, but after seeing Lou Cheng's sad and nervous look, she became tense and concerned.
"Do not feel too guilty that such a person is gone. He had been living in darkness for years and probably killed many people. Even he had not done a hundred bad things, there must be several dozens. Killing him actually eradicated the harm for all people. You did the right things. Do not let this get to you."
"When Wang Xu fell to the ground and dropped his gun, the Professional Ninth Pin still insisted killing him. You did the right thing to stop him."
She seemed to be more concerned with if I had suffered any trauma… Lou Cheng was stunned.
To be honest, killing that Professional Ninth Pin had a smaller impact than I would expect, casting a smaller gloom over my heart as well. And there were many reasons for this.
One is that I have no contact with the men in black exercise clothes, thus having no impression on him. I do not view him as a living person; The second is that I have not met his friends and family, thus not knowing how they grieve over his death; The third is that I witness him kill enemies who have already given up resisting. He just deliberately kills them, So cold and cruel is he that I think killing him is the right thing to do. I should not feel guilty; The fourth is this is a battle between life and death, so I can't withhold my strength. Killing him is an accident and I should not suffer from this.
In other words, I do have trauma, but not as serious as Yan Zheke imagine. However, I can take this opportunity and pretend to be seriously affected to get her sympathy and concern. In doing so, Yan Zheke will shift her focus from him killing people in self-defense and behaving recklessly to comforting him.
After having this eureka moment, Lou Cheng immediately faked a depressed look, "I was also comforting myself back then, but after all, this was a living life. Every time I I recalled the image… Later, Director Xing arrived at the scene and told the police that he had asked me to stop their operations, so policemen just took note of the events and let me leave."
In a world where martial arts prevailed, it was common to trust an expert with a clean background to stop crime, just like hiring foreign private detectives to solve the case.
Yan Zheke was a little bit anxious and said, "You should go to the hospital and seek to counsel in psychiatry or psychology. You cannot leave a shadow hanging over you, or you might have psychological problems in the future!"
Go to see a psychiatrist or psychologist? Lou Cheng was scared into a cold sweat. If he really went there, then not having any problems might become a problem!
He quickly said, "No need, I feel so much better after talking with you for a while. You are my life mentor, and also my psychological counselor!"
Yan Zheke was amused by seeing him get anxious and worried, with dimpled cheeks forming a charming and marvelous smile.
"Really?" She quickly controlled her expression and replied.
"Yes, really!" Lou Cheng answered seriously, trying to wipe off his depression and leaving traces of sadness on his face.
Yan Zheke sent an emoji of a chick nodding as if picking grains. "Let me give you some instructions."
She picked up the silver white notebook next to her, placed it on her lap, and simultaneously searched for the relevant psychological information as well as video chatting with Lou Cheng, trying to treat his psychological trauma.
"In martial arts battles, the difference between victory and defeat is the difference between life and death. If you withhold your strength, you would be dead now, and you wouldn't be sitting here receiving my psychological counseling. So you just protected your own safety. Do not feel sorry for that…"
As they spoke, the gloom in Lou Cheng's heart became less and less. At this moment, his phone rang. It was Qin Rui calling.
Lou Cheng answered, asking, "Qin Rui, what is it?"
Qin Rui moodily said, "Le ran away and the police grabbed Third Jian. What happened out there would be a secret, at least no locals would want the truth from you. I am telling you this so that you can rest easy."
"Okay." Lou Cheng was stunned, and only answered with a single word.
When the call was over, he started the video again. Looking at this beautiful girl on the screen, listening to her soft and delicate voice, Lou Cheng could feel her concern and love. This the moment when the hidden depression in his heart started to burst open, completely venting his feelings.
This is the life I want!
Who cares that damned underworld organization! Who cares about fighting between life and death! Go to hell! F*k you!
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"Why did the video call break off just now?" Yan Zheke asked without thinking.
Lou Cheng, who had completely vented his feelings and no longer felt stifled, said somewhat happily, "My classmate called me just now, you know, the one from Gushan Martial Arts School? He said that Le or something had run away and that Third Jian had been caught. No one among the local underworld would care about what happened in the past now."
Yan Zheke's mouth was half-open as she displayed a cute expression of realization. "No wonder you look so much more relaxed. Uncle Xing works pretty efficiently I see; it hasn't been an hour or two that he had already done cracking down on illegal activities."
"Cracking down on illegal activities…" Lou Cheng subconsciously repeated her words.
Yan Zheke's beautiful face straightened as she said,
"This is a big case where four or five human lives are involved and guns are shot in the city area. How can they possibly justify things to the city hall and provincial higher-ups, and eliminate societal effects otherwise? If Uncle Xing hadn't adapted fast enough, even if you sought out Coach Shi beforehand, even if the other party had deliberately committed murder after self-defense was no longer justified, and even if the witness' statements were advantageous to you, you still would have to enter the police station and hang around between several days to half a month."
"What would your parents think then? You'll scare them to death, you know? Do you understand the consequences now? Do you still dare to act this impulsively anymore?"
Lou Cheng was truly scared and regretful after the incident, and he hurriedly nodded his head saying, "I know. I won't dare to act this impulsively anymore."
According to his shallow knowledge of the law, if Director Xing didn't endorse and adapted accordingly to deal with this incident, then he would be in serious trouble this time.
At the time, Wang Xu and another hatchet man had been poured with boiled water and were rolling on the floor. They had tossed away their guns, and their assault could be considered to have stopped there and then. The fact that the other party had caught up to them and acted to kill them could not even be considered as excessive self-defense and was a standard act of murder. However, Lou Cheng had communicated with Wang Xu earlier, and it was possible that he might be mistaken as part of Wang Xu's group, seizing the opportunity to attack the other party only after a couple of human lives had been wasted. In that case, while he might not necessarily be given a sentence, the fact that he would be taken into custody until the matter was clarified was a big matter that would cause worry and headache to his family.
With Director Xing's endorsement, not only did he become a good citizen who was commissioned by the police station for assistance and acted heroically for a just cause, his communication log with Wang Xu could also be considered as a meritorious act where he reported the incident to the police. The penalty would become much lighter.
The difference of treatment was like heaven and earth!
Impulsiveness and recklessness were truly unacceptable!
While reflecting, Lou Cheng suddenly thought of something as the words slipped out of his mouth. "Uncle Xing?"
He didn't even notice just now that Yan Zheke had addressed Director Xing as Uncle Xing!
Yan Zheke pursed her lips into a smile with faint dimples on her cheeks. "If you had chosen to come to me for help, it would have gone to Uncle Xing all the same. He is good friends with my father and mother."
"I see…" Suddenly, Lou Cheng was glad that he had come clean. Otherwise, there would be serious consequences if one day Director Xing casually brought up even a line of the topic before Yan Zheke or her parents. It would be more serious than the mistakes he made to save a life. Even if they had gotten together afterward, they might break up because of this!
Yan Zheke pulled at the black hair hanging down beside her ears while her spirited eyes moved upwards as if she was pondering something. She quickly said, "In my opinion, you should meet up and thank Uncle Xing officially. He may have helped you only because of Coach Shi's entrustment, but there's no denying that he helped you and resolved a lot of your troubles. A mere word of thanks is not sincerity enough."
"That makes sense," Lou Cheng agreed that he should thank Director Xing properly. His master was one thing, and he was another. They could not be mixed together. "Didn't I say that I was feeling a little dumb and stifled as of late? That's why I didn't recall to do this at all. Coach Yan, how do you think I should thank him to show enough sincerity?"
"You should show him your attitude; the important thing is your attitude!" Yan Zheke nodded in satisfaction. "Give Uncle Xing a call at night and ask him when he's free. Tell him that you wish to pay him a New Year visit and bring a small gift when you do. Sit there for a while and give him solemn thanks, and he'll know that you're a person who values relationships. If you ran into any other troubles in the future, you could skip past Coach Shi and look for him directly then."
"Is a small gift enough?" Lou Cheng asked with his shallow social knowledge.
"You don't believe me?" Yan Zheke purposely put on the fierce expression of a scowl and a glare to smoothen Lou Cheng's emotions. "A valuable gift at such an occasion will actually be counterproductive instead. First, it'll make the two of you seem distant, and second, Uncle Xing wouldn't dare to accept the gift. What would Coach Shi think if he accepts your valuable gift? As for the third, imagine you sending him a valuable gift right after he endorsed you. It's like he's asking for someone to gain leverage over him."
Lou Cheng nodded with a pondering look. "Coach Yan, why do I feel like you know a lot more than I do, especially regarding interpersonal relationships?"
"Of course. Girls mature earlier than boys." Yan Zheke's lips curled upwards, and her pink lips opened slightly to reveal a small, clean and tidy row of white teeth.
After chatting for another moment, Lou Cheng heard a girl's voice shouting 'Keke' from the other side of the phone.
"Is someone looking for you?" he asked.
Yan Zheke took out her hair clip, and her black hair hung down naturally like a falling waterfall. Her gentle, delicate, and beautiful womanly charm caused Lou Cheng's heart to palpitate as he stared at her dumbly and blankly.
"Yeah, my mum's calling me. I have to pay a New Year visit to my cousin's (older female cousin via female line) house." Yan Zheke looked at the mirror beside her while tidying her hairstyle, "It's very annoying to celebrate Chinese New Year here at Jiangnan. When we pay a New Year visit to our relatives, we must visit everyone of them. Then, we have to greet different relatives in our own homes too. The whole process can last from the first day of the lunar year to the fifteenth day. Moreover, the meals we cook to treat our guests are almost all the same, so by the end of it you'll be fed up with the food already. Every time I celebrate Chinese New Year here, I would grow much thinner."
Lou Cheng said with an absentminded smile, "It's very relaxing here at Xiushan. Take my family for example, we have a family reunion at my grandfather's place, and another family reunion at my maternal grandfather's place. Then we'll visit the few relatives we share the best relationship with. It's fine if we don't visit the unofficial ones."
"You speak as if I'm not from Xiushan too!" Yan Zheke rolled her eyes at him, and the movement of her eyes made Lou Cheng feel as if he had been shot by an arrow.
"I really miss the easiness of celebrating Chinese New Year at Xiushan…" she continued to speak, "I'm hanging up the video call now."
Lou Cheng was just about to say 'Okay' when a question floated on top of his mind. After pondering for a moment, he said,
"Coach Yan, I made a mistake today. Have your impression of me turned very bad?"
He shouldn't be asking such a question directly. He should have discerned the situation and filled in the blanks later. But he wasn't able to hold himself back this time.
Yan Zheke bit her bottom lip with her teeth, and suddenly her mouth curled upwards and drew faint pimples on her cheeks. "Seeing that you've confessed honestly, I guess I'll force myself not to think badly of you~"
After she said this, she withdrew her smile and said with more serious looks, "A Cheng who knows how to repent is still a good Cheng. When you feel impulsive in the future, think of your parents, your friends, and your own future. Don't act recklessly without considering the consequences. You're lucky nothing serious happened this time."
"Mm mm, I'll keep the coach's instructions in mind!" Lou Cheng put on a vowing pose before he added, "But this's murder. This's a real, human life…"
Upon saying that he could barely restrain himself from slapping his own face. What was the difference between this and mentioning the pot that doesn't boil? What if he spoke too much that he left a shadow in Yan Zheke's heart?
When Yan Zheke was thinking, her eyes would drift slightly upwards. It looked very cute. After pondering for a moment, she said, "Actually, I'm far less unhappy about the fact that you accidentally killed that Professional Ninth Pin than you getting involved in the conflicts of the underworld."
"From the first time you mentioned that he attacked the bar, I was already cursing on the inside: That despicable fellow; how dare he cause trouble in our Xiushan and shatter our peace. I wish that there would be a chivalrous hero or a police who would punish him. But I never imagined that it would be you, my 'young swordsman', who would deal out the punishment. Anyway, he was dead in my heart since a long time ago."
She teased young swordsman Lou once before continuing on her own. "Maybe my way of thinking has something to do with my family. I often heard about my grandfather talking about similar things, so I thought that it sounded pretty normal. Who else would have had the heart to enlighten you otherwise?"
"Mm, my grandfather always say that a person's growth from a normal person to a fighter is not confined to just their constitution and their rebirth of mentality when facing an enemy. Their everyday's psyche has to keep up as well. A lot of people are especially hot blooded and eager when they just master a good martial art, and they'll often accidentally break the law with it. I guess this's a common failing for many fighters. However, some people's mistakes are minor and don't go so far as to affect their future. Once this period has passed, and their psyche has caught up with reality, they'll return to the mainstream once more. But some people make one misstep and can never turn back."
At this point, she swept a glance at Lou Cheng. "Thankfully, yours fell under the hopeful category. Otherwise, I'd not care about you at all."
Lou Cheng's heart leaped wildly at her sweeping glance as he beamed.
"Please do your best to save me, Coach Yan!"
After listening to Yan Zheke's analysis, he reflected upon himself once more after hanging up the video call. He would not have a similar impulse in the future after this lesson.
Once bitten, twice shy!
When it was almost afternoon, he had completely sorted out his own feelings, and he was finally ready to face dad and mum.
However, his phone suddenly rang at this moment. The number looked a little familiar. He vaguely remembered that it belonged to Director Xing.
"Hello, is this Little Lou?" Director Xing's candid voice rang from the other side of the phone.
"Yes. Good day, Director Xing. I am seriously thankful for your help in this incident." Lou Cheng sat back on the edge of the bed.
"Haha, it's nothing. It's what I should do." Director Xing lowered his voice a little and said, "The hospital gave me a call just now. Three people had died on the spot, one couldn't be rescued in time, and one more is practically disabled. Wang Xu is the only one who can be considered doing Okay."
"Sigh. This makes four deaths and one disabled. I seriously can't suppress a case like this. Wang Xu is most definitely being sentenced for attempted murder with a gun, but he didn't deal any real damage and he isn't the mastermind. We can talk a little on his active intention to report the police and take another few years off his sentence, but no matter what it has got to be at least five years. I'm telling you so you'll be mentally prepared. You may have to testify on court covertly as a witness. I'll tell my men to keep an eye on him and protect him from being bullied when he's in jail."
Lou Cheng's feelings were not heavy. This was a predictable outcome after he had listened to Yan Zheke's analysis. He said sincerely, "This is nothing. Wang Xu is only nineteen years old, and if he performs well in jail and gets a little of his sentence reduced, he would only be twenty-two or twenty-three years old by the time he comes out. He still has a long future ahead of him. This outcome is better than dying on the spot no matter what. At any rate, thank you, Uncle Xing."
He stealthily changed the way he addressed him.
Director Xing laughed and said, "I'm at ease now seeing that you've come around. Mm, we've just launched an illegal activity sweeping operation, and we've captured Third Jian and Zhang Mingle's left and right hands. Zhang Mingle himself had escaped, but he'll never be returning to Xiushan any longer. There won't be anyone who would come and harass you and your family."
"Little Lou, I'll say one more thing as a senior. The underworld is something that's better kept under the table. Even if they had some real abilities, they were just the dogs of important figures. They had to sway according to the times, and answer to every command. Don't envy them just because they look imposing and impressive in the norm."
"Don't worry, Uncle Xing. I have a bright future ahead of me, and I'll definitely not walk a path that's destined to have no future." Lou Cheng said without hesitation.
He vaguely sensed that Director Xing's attitude had changed a little. In the past, everyone of his sentences contained something about his master, but now he valued more of what he really was.
Seizing this opportunity, he smiled and said, "Uncle Xing, when are you free? I'd like to pay you a New Year visit."
Director Xing immediately let out a candid laughter. "Sure you can. I'm on duty during the second and third day of the lunar month, and I'd have to visit my relatives later. Make it the seventh day. I'd be around during the entire time during the seventh day. You can come over whenever you like. My address is 9, Champion South Street, Mingshan Small District, 2nd unit on the 9th floor of the 3rd building."
Hanging up, Lou Cheng pulled the window curtains that he had forgotten to open all this time. The dark clouds outside had already dissipated, and the warm sun hung high up in the sky during a winter day. Wisps of bright sunlight shone into the room and illuminated everything brightly.
This was a bright world.
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Chapter 96: Change in Heart
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
After confirming the time to pay Director Xing a New Year visit, Lou Cheng hurriedly sent a message to Yan Zheke on QQ. He didn't use an all smiles emoji because his emotions hadn't completely settled yet, "Coach Yan, Director Xing just called me and told me about Wang Xu being sentenced. I took the opportunity to bring up my intention to pay him a New Year visit. He had agreed to it as well. The date's been set on the seventh of the lunar month. What small gifts do you think I should bring him?"
Since the Yan Family was friendly with Director Xing, they must know about his preference.
"You got the right person!" Yan Zheke 'smiled evilly' and said, Uncle Xing is from Ningshui County, and there're two things that he loves the most in his whole life. One is the original-proof spirits from Ningshui County Brewery, and the other is Ningshui County's green tea—especially Maojian green tea. Try and see if you can buy them first. If you can't, you can get one of Ningshui County's hard liquor and green tea each. He wouldn't pay too much heed to what a junior brings him anyway. What's important is your intention, after all."
"Even the highest quality Ningshui County hard liquor only costs several dozen yuan. Special grade green tea that aren't Maojian tea are probably about the same either. All things considered, I can probably buy all the gifts with just a hundred or so yuan. Why can't I help but feel a little nervous?" Lou Cheng 'wiped his sweat' and answered.
His own mum was a Xiushan City member of Ningshui County. His dad, grandfather and maternal grandfather all enjoyed drinking Ningshui County's green tea, which was why he more or less knew about the price.
Yan Zheke 'covered her mouth' and smiled. "That's why it's called a small gift. You won't go wrong listening to me~"
"Alright, I'll head east if Coach Yan tells me to head east!" Lou Cheng expressed his loyalty and decided to see if he could buy some original-proof spirits and Maojian green tea. "Er, Director Xing mainly manages the affairs of fighters, so he himself should be an expert, right? He didn't look like he practiced Drunken Fist either. Isn't he afraid that drinking will affect his reactions?"
There was a pause before Yan Zheke answered, "Phew, the meals served in my cousin's house is getting lousier and lousier. Rating: poor! Uncle Xing would only drink two light sips every night during dinner purely as amusement, and he himself is a Sixth Pin Dan stage expert. His mastery of his body is very strong, so he isn't afraid of being affected."
Lou Cheng was just about to consult Yan Zheke on what kind of martial arts Director Xing was familiar with to use it as a chat topic, just in case the atmosphere became awkward because they were unfamiliar with each other and had nothing to talk about. However, it was at this moment Yan Zheke added, "When you pay him a New Year visit, Uncle Xing's daughter Sister Jingjing should be around as well. You must pay attention to what you say and absolutely not bring up terms relating to gangsters, hoodlums, perverts and so on."
"Why's that?" Lou Cheng responded with bewilderment. Did she really need to emphasize about such things?
Yan Zheke 'rolled her eyes' and said, "This is a secret. Don't ask!"
Lou Cheng scratched his head. He could only suppress his curiosity and clarified that the martial arts Director Xing were good at were 'Gold and Jade-Like Method' and modern Xingyi. Then, he stood on Yan Zheke's standpoint and criticized her cousin's meals.
While chatting, a hint of doubt suddenly rose in his heart. If Yan Zheke who interacted with him the most was surprised that he was able to beat that dangerous Professional Ninth Pin, then why did his master looked just like normal and expressed no change in emotions at all?
Even if he knew that he had awakened a supernatural ability, he should at least react somewhat, right?
He wasn't like this back at the Warrior Sage Challenge Tournament!
Did he believe in my strength this much?
…
Inside a house renovated heavily towards a Mediterranean style, Geezer Shi pressed his chest and walked beside his liquor cabinet. He opened the cabinet door, took out an unlabeled wine and poured himself a glass of wine.
"Dad, why are you drinking again?" A voice came from afar. Only the voice could be heard and not the person. It would seem that the person was able to grasp the activities here even from afar.
Geezer Shi's mouth twitched. "Just getting over a shock."
"What can shock you?" The voice was like ice cubes knocking on a jade plate, but there was also the hint of maturity that came with age too.
"That stupid disciple of mine overestimated his abilities and went against a Dark Sect Ninth Pin. He's so like me when I was young and impulsive." Geezer Shi narrowed his eyes and took a sniff of the wine, looking completely enchanted by its fragrance.
The voice said doubtfully, "Didn't you say that little junior only has the combat strength of an Amateur First Pin? It's not like a Dark Sect Ninth Pin has no legacy, and the secret discipline of mind aura is very effective at this stage. Is it because he was in danger that you were frightened?"
"Childish! Naive! How would I possibly be frightened by this?" Geezer Shi's mouth twitched. "He stopped the other party from killing, and then killed the other party in life and death battle…"
"He killed the other party? His Power of Blaze hasn't reached that level yet, has it?" The voice sounded rather surprised.
Geezer Shi took the opportunity to gulp down the wine in his cup and smacked his lips before saying, "See, you're surprised too, aren't you? This old geezer nearly failed to maintain the dignity and bearing of a master. I was this close from slipping!"
"I reckon that he had met this Dark Sect Ninth Pin before, and was prepared against the mind aura secret discipline. Otherwise, there's no way he could have succeeded." The voice said with certainty.
"I think so too after the fact." Geezer Shi wiped his white hair once. "Everytime I'm flustered by this dumb disciple of mine!"
…
The tradition in Xiushan dictated that one could not visit their relatives on New Year's Day. Everyone had to hang around in their own homes. Lou Cheng heard his mum calling him out to for lunch after lying for a while.
After he got out of the door and sat on the opposite side of his dad Lou Zhisheng, his mum Qi Fang immediately came over and said secretively and mysteriously before he could open his mouth, "That boy from Wang's Family was caught. They had already asked Little Luo to tidy up clothes and stuff and send them to the police station."
Little Luo was Wang Xu's mother Luo Aijin. She was two years younger than Qi Fang.
Mum, weren't you cooking all this time in the kitchen. How on earth did you learn about this gossip? Lou Cheng stared at his own mum like she was a deity.
"Where did you hear this rumor from? You haven't even walked out of the house today." Lou Zhisheng was also deeply surprised.
Qi Fang rolled her eyes at him. "Don't you know how to use a cell phone? Of course someone called me to talk about this!"
Lou Cheng more or less figured out why gossips spread so quickly in this small district and felt another bout of lingering fear. If he were to be imprisoned, by the time his innocence was clarified the news would have spread throughout the entire district. He could only imagine how his mum and dad felt then!
When you were impulsive, think more about your family!
"Wang Family's boy really was caught by the police?" Lou Zhisheng asked with concern.
"Really. I heard he committed a severe crime, and the police had personally visited his house. If all goes bad, he might be sentenced to a dozen or so years in prison and have his entire life ruined." Qi Fang sighed before turning her head to glare once at Lou Cheng. "You heard me? It's one thing to learn martial arts, but it's another to be ambitious and aggressive! Don't get mixed up with those gangsters!"
"Mum, relax. I'll remember this lesson." Lou Cheng took a deep breath.
He would engrave it into his heart and fear about it always to prevent himself from doing something similarly stupid in the future.
Lou Zhisheng let out a sigh. "Wang is born into a hard life. Still, his boy is just a little gangster, and there must be a mastermind above his head. He may not necessarily be sentenced too heavily. If he performs well and strives to reduce his sentence, he may come out in just a few years. When he is about twenty years old, he'll be able to restart his life."
"You bookworm. You'll understand better when you get to know more about society. There are plenty of people with criminal records who are strongly discriminated against. It'll be difficult for him even to find a better wife in the future." Qi Fang also sighed along with him. They had known the Wang Family for almost twenty years and met each other frequently. They shared quite the relationship between neighbors.
They ate while talking, feeling sorry for Wang Xu, and lamenting the Wang Family's fate. Lou Cheng did not interrupt them and simply listened quietly. He felt that every word they said knocked right at his own heart, making him feel full of guilt and regret.
He did not blame himself for the murder due to the other party's criminal record, actions and the circumstance at the time. Although the loss of one life shocked him, the fact that it wasn't someone he knew diluted the impact somewhat. That was why he was able to appear relatively calm and avoid showing too obvious signs of trauma. However, the potential consequences the incident could have brought knocked at his head again and again, making him fully reflect on his actions and slowly lose that reckless impulse.
Perhaps it was this incident that gave him a change of heart. It could be said that he had experienced a necessary improvement one must encounter on the path of martial arts.
He would think before acting in the future. He would not put himself in danger. If not for himself, then for the countless bonds he shared!
"Do you understand, Chengzi?" Qi Fang's voice entered his ears.
Lou Cheng was in a daze earlier and was reflecting on his own actions. Therefore, he had not paid attention to their conversation. He replied with a blank look on his face, "Ah?"
"What were you thinking?" Qi Fang said irritably, "I said, that it's one thing to learn martial arts, but you absolutely must not break the law with martial arts like those heroes in TV. Your father and I are more than forty years old and have lived more than half of our lives. We can't handle any surprises any longer."
"Mm." Lou Cheng nodded strongly.
…
On a wet ground, the man dressed in black exercise clothes suddenly transformed into a giant green-eyed wolf and bit Lou Cheng's throat instantly. Its teeth sank deeply into his flesh…
Lou Cheng abruptly sat up with a head full of cold sweat. He panted heavily, still drunk in the fear brought by the nightmare.
He pressed his cell phone in darkness, causing its screen to light up. He took a glance and noticed that it wasn't 4 a.m. yet. There was still plenty of time before his morning training.
Sigh. For a first-year university student like me, this's an unprecedented bad news. Even if the haze had completely faded, even if my mental damage wasn't severe, it still wasn't something that I could completely recover from in just two or three days.
I'll have to digest the rest of these emotions with time.
Lou Cheng swiftly entered into a meditative state and rested for a bit. Then, he got off his bed on time for his training. He threw sweat off his body, tore the air apart, roused his whole body and enlivened his own spirits. He would digest the shadow in his heart with vigorous qi and blood.
When he returned home, he took a bath, tidied things for a bit and headed out along with his dad and mum. They headed towards their sister-in-law Qi Yan's house at Ningshui County, and enjoyed a family reunion with his maternal grandfather.
His maternal grandfather only had two daughters. His younger daughter Qi Yan could be said to have found a live-in son-in-law. They had made a promise to each other that their first child would follow their mother's surname. If they had a second child, then the child would follow their father's surname. Right now, they also had two daughters of their own.
"This is just perfect for me to buy some original-proof spirits and Maojian green tea from Ningshui County Brewery…" Lou Cheng stared at the scenery outside the car window and thought while letting his thoughts loose.
However, both these items were somewhat difficult to purchase. When the time came, he should ask his father's sister-in-law and her husband to see if they had any social connections as someone who opened a small supermarket…
The distance between Ningshui County and Xiushan wasn't long. From the small district where Lou Cheng's house was, it would take only forty minutes to reach his father's sister-in-law's building by car. But if someone were to travel there without a car, they would have to take a public transport to passenger bus terminal to buy tickets. Once they reached Ningshui County bus terminal, they would have to take another transit before reaching their destination. In this case, it was impossible to complete the whole journey without one and a half hour.
The scenery flew by, and Lou Cheng who was busy texting on his phone quickly saw the streets of Ningshui County.
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