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Chapter 181 The Legacy of the Martial Arts School (2 words, 35 updates)

The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, carrying the cool, moist air unique to Qingjian City.

A large crowd had already gathered in front of the antique vermilion gate of Chenfeng Martial Arts School.

Most of them were men, women, and children dressed in sportswear or casual wear, their faces showing curiosity, inquiry, and a hint of barely perceptible suspicion.

"Hey, do you guys think this Chenfeng Martial Arts Academy is really as amazing as the ads claim? What 'ancient methods passed down, strengthens the body and bones, and unleashes potential'? It sounds really mysterious!"

A middle-aged man wearing a plaid shirt and glasses pushed up his glasses, his tone full of doubt.

"Who knows! Martial arts gyms are springing up everywhere these days, and nine and a half out of ten are just for show, a way to rip you off." A burly man in a vest, revealing his strong arms, curled his lip, clearly a fitness enthusiast with some basic skills. "Look at these two stone lions at the entrance, they're quite impressive, but I wonder if what they teach inside is as sturdy as these stone lions."

"That's right," an aunt carrying a shopping basket leaned over and whispered, "I heard that their new owner is a young woman? Owner Zheng? Wasn't the old Owner Zheng quite famous? Why the change? Could it be that they've run out of successors?"

"What's wrong with a female gym owner?" A young woman with a ponytail, who looked energetic, retorted indignantly. "Don't you know that women are just as capable as men? I came here because of the 'systematic basic training' advertised in the ads! There's nothing wrong with getting better, right?"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, a mix of doubt and anticipation.

Just then, a slightly surprised voice came from the edge of the crowd:

"Dude, you brought such a young girl to practice martial arts? Aren't you in a bit of a rush? Can this kid even stand still?"

The speaker was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties. His gaze fell on a figure who had just walked to the entrance of the martial arts school.

He was a tall and upright young man.

He was dressed in simple black sportswear, his face was calm, and his eyes had a depth that was beyond his years.

The girl he was holding hands with looked to be only seven or eight years old. She was wearing a small version of the same tracksuit, with two little pigtails. Her face was as delicate as a porcelain doll, and her clear, big eyes curiously surveyed the noisy crowd around her.

It was Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei.

Fang Qingyu was slightly taken aback when he heard the young man's words, then a faint smile appeared on his lips as he shook his head: "I didn't send her here to practice martial arts."

As soon as he finished speaking, the heavy vermilion doors of the martial arts school creaked open from the inside.

A young woman with a neat white training uniform, a well-proportioned figure, and a heroic air between her brows walked out.

Her gaze swept over the crowd gathered in front of the door, a polite smile appearing on her face, her voice clear and strong:
"Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Chenfeng Martial Arts Academy! I am Zheng Lin, the academy's owner. Our academy upholds the principle of 'building a strong foundation and cultivating virtue.' Whether you're here for fitness or have a deep interest in traditional martial arts, you're welcome to come and see for yourself! Seeing is believing, hearing is deceiving. You can experience firsthand the atmosphere and training methods of our academy!"

The young woman's appearance and cheerful greeting temporarily silenced the murmurs outside the door.

The crowd began to surge, following Zheng Lin into the martial arts hall.

Fang Qingyu, holding Jiang Wei's hand, followed the flow of people and stepped over that familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar threshold.

Upon entering the gate, the noise seemed to be partially shut out.

Suddenly, a spacious training hall opened up before us.

Sunlight streamed through the tall, carved wooden window frames, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

The air was filled with a faint smell of sweat, the bitter scent of herbs, and the distinctive aroma of wooden floors worn down by footsteps.

"Drink!" "Ha!" "Hey!"

The shouts and cheers filled the space, brimming with youthful energy and a sense of power.

Dozens of students, dressed in matching white training uniforms and ranging in age from their teens to their thirties and forties, were divided into several areas for basic training.

Some, under the guidance of their coaches, meticulously practiced the basic skills of martial arts.

Standing in a horse stance, one should be as steady as a mountain, with focused eyes.

Some practiced in pairs, demonstrating simple yet practical grappling and escape techniques with swift and decisive movements.

Some were practicing their boxing techniques on specially made wooden dummy targets, their fists and feet landing on the targets with a dull "thump thump" sound.

Others practiced basic sword techniques in the corners of the open space, their wooden swords slashing and creating a whooshing sound.

Everyone's eyes were focused.

Although his movements were still somewhat immature, his earnestness and the power he exuded in his shouts were definitely a step above what Chenfeng Martial Arts School had shown six months ago.

Jiang Wei was being led by Fang Qingyu; her small stature made her inconspicuous in the crowd.

Her clear, large eyes swept over the bustling training scene around her, looking at the trainees' hardworking and serious faces, and listening to their unified shouts.

For the first time, a very obvious, almost strange expression appeared on her small face.

She tiptoed slightly, tugged at Fang Qingyu's sleeve, her voice extremely low, carrying an indescribable confusion and a hint of...吐槽 (tu cao, a Chinese internet slang term for sarcastic commentary).

"Qingzi."

"This is... the place where you first started practicing martial arts?"

The little girl tilted her head back, her clear pupils reflecting Fang Qingyu's profile. She then glanced around at the students who were working hard and sweating profusely, and finally muttered in a very puzzled tone:

"How on earth did they raise a monster like you???"

Fang Qingyu: "."

He looked down at Jiang Wei's face, which was filled with "this is not scientific", and his lips twitched involuntarily.

Then, with a hint of annoyance, he raised his hand and vigorously ruffled her neatly combed hair, causing the little girl to tilt her head to the side.

"Shut up."

Led by Zheng Lin, the visitors strolled around, stopping frequently to listen to the explanations and watch the training.

Many people nodded frequently, their faces showing interest.

The tour ended quickly, and we returned to the lobby.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes our tour. If you are interested in martial arts, want to improve your physical health, hone your willpower, or even serve the Federation in the future, our Morning Breeze Martial Arts Academy is definitely your best choice! Register now and receive an opening discount." The young woman began her final presentation.

Some people immediately expressed their intention to sign up, surrounding the front desk to inquire about the details. Others hesitated, discussing in hushed tones. Still others shook their heads and left directly.

The crowd gradually dispersed.

Fang Qingyu and Jiang Wei stood in a corner of the somewhat empty hall.

"Aoko!?"

A voice, tinged with surprise and uncertainty, came from the side.

Fang Qingyu looked in the direction of the sound.

Zheng Lin, dressed in a smart dark blue martial arts uniform with her hair neatly tied back, was walking quickly towards them.

Compared to the last time we met.

Zheng Lin's brows had lost some of their previous nonchalance, but gained more of the composure and competence of a master, and her eyes had become sharper.

She carefully examined Fang Qingyu.

As her gaze swept over his pale face and the faint unnaturalness in his left arm, her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but more than anything, she felt the joy of reuniting with an old friend.

"Sister Zheng." Fang Qingyu smiled slightly and nodded in greeting.

"It really is you!" Zheng Lin smiled and walked over quickly, her eyes filled with concern. "When did you get back? The news about Song Du is all over the forums. I heard you were badly injured? How are you feeling now?"

"I just got back, and I'm much better," Fang Qingyu replied simply.

"That's good, that's good!" Zheng Lin breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at him with some emotion, "It's been a long time since I've seen you. That bastard Qin Hui has become so arrogant now. When we asked him to come back to encourage the new students and show his face, he always said he was busy, busy, busy, and he was nowhere to be seen."

Her words carried a hint of complaint, but more than anything, they conveyed affection.

Fang Qingyu smiled and said, "I just happened to have some free time today, so I came back to visit."

As my gaze swept over the orderly scene inside the martial arts school, my worries about whether it would implicate the school completely disappeared.

It seems the anger of those martial arts schools in Beijing hasn't reached here.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Lin's eyes lit up, as if she had come up with a brilliant idea.

"Oh, right!" He grabbed Fang Qingyu's arm. "Since you're here today, can you lend me a hand?"

"Hmm?" "Show those little brats inside a move!"

Zheng Lin pointed to the innermost part of the martial arts hall, to a separate area separated by thick soundproofing material, where faint, more intense shouts and the sounds of clashing equipment could be heard.

"That bastard Qin Hui has been so busy lately that he's barely touching the ground. I've called him a few times, but he's already gone off on his own. These kids haven't been learning about visualization techniques for long, but they've already learned about the existence of the Fate Ghost. They shout fiercely, but they're actually trembling with fear inside."

Zheng Lin's face showed a mixture of helplessness and expectation.

He patted Fang Qingyu's shoulder forcefully, his eyes burning:
"You, show them what you've got, let them see the view beyond the martial arts realm, that way they'll at least know what kind of path they're on, how about that?"

Seeing the undisguised expectation in Zheng Lin's eyes, Fang Qingyu nodded almost without hesitation:

"sure."

"That's great!" Zheng Lin exclaimed with delight, pulling Fang Qingyu inside. "Come with me!"

Jiang Wei followed silently behind, her small face expressionless, but a hint of anticipation seemed to flash in her clear eyes.

Pushing open the heavy soundproof door, the scene inside is different from the outside.

It has more space and more professional facilities.

A dozen or so young men and women, around twenty years old, dressed in matching dark gray martial arts uniforms, were engaged in more intense combat training or weight training.

Sweat soaked their backs, their shouts were deep and powerful, and their eyes were more focused, carrying the fearless spirit of newborn calves, but also a hint of tension in the face of the unknown.

Zheng Lin pulled Fang Qingyu in, clapped her hands, and the crisp applause immediately attracted everyone's attention.

"gather!"

At the instructor's command, the trainees quickly stopped their movements, lined up neatly, and looked curiously at Zheng Lin, the pale-faced young man in ordinary sportswear next to her, and the seemingly harmless little girl next to him.

Zheng Lin cleared her throat, pointed to Fang Qingyu beside her, and introduced him in a loud voice:
"Let me introduce you all! This is Fang Qingyu! He's also a graduate of our Chenfeng Martial Arts Academy! He's your senior brother!"

The trainees' eyes all focused on Fang Qingyu, filled with scrutiny and doubt.

Senior brother?

They didn't look much older than them, and their complexions didn't seem very good.
Zheng Lin was not surprised by their reaction.

A hint of mystery appeared on his face.

Soon these little rascals will know what they're about to face.

If you want to say something they can understand
That person holds the record for the fastest breakthrough in the martial arts school and is the number one fighter in the school.

Of course, there are also things that are hard to understand, such as the holder of the Candlelight-level medal, who turned the tide in the insect hive and snatched someone from the clutches of a large-scale Mystic Fate Demon, and who killed a Chosen One in Songdu City, etc.
Despite facing dozens of questioning gazes, Fang Qingyu remained calm and composed.

They did not approach those heavy alloy targets that symbolized strength and defense.

Instead, to everyone's astonishment, he slowly raised his right arm and extended his index finger.

His fingertips were aimed at the thickest, most substantial alloy target closest to him, its surface gleaming with a cold, metallic sheen.

There was no earth-shattering build-up, no blood-boiling prelude to an explosive outburst.

It was just a simple, calm gesture.

"This is what a martial artist is."

Fang Qingyu's voice was not loud, but it was very clear.

It was as if he had returned to the martial arts power that Lin Kang had demonstrated to him back then.
They don't say many inspiring things.

Use the power at the top to plant a seed in these budding hearts.

Give them direction.

Knowing the view from the summit fills me with longing.

The moment the words fell!
laugh--! ! !
A sharp aura, condensed to its extreme, as thin as a hair, yet radiating a dazzling platinum cold light, burst forth from Fang Qingyu's fingertips without warning!

fast!
We're almost at the limit of visual capture!

As if teleporting, the platinum energy line precisely struck the core and thickest part of the alloy target!
puff!
A very faint sound, like a steel needle piercing thin paper.

Next!

Om-! ! !
The alloy target, as thick as an adult's waist and capable of withstanding the full force of a martial artist's attack, suddenly trembled violently!
Centered on the core point marked by the platinum energy line, a heart-palpitating aura, mixed with extreme sharpness and violent heat, erupted instantly within the alloy like an invisible storm!

Snap! Snap! Snap—!!!
A dense, chilling cracking sound rang out, like ice breaking!
The incredibly hard alloy surface was instantly covered with countless spiderweb-like cracks!
From the depths of the crack, intense platinum light and dark red flames shone through!
Boom! ! !

It only lasted for less than a second!
The heavy alloy target, symbolizing strength and defense, suddenly exploded from its core, as if it had been filled with tons of explosives!
Countless alloy fragments, burning with dark red flames and with molten metal flowing along their edges, were flung away as if by an invisible force, shooting in all directions with a shrill whooshing sound!
Chi chi chi——! ! !
The fragments were deeply embedded in the reinforced walls and floor, and even penetrated the cushions in the distance, leaving behind charred and smoking holes!
A scorching wave of air, carrying the pungent smell of molten metal, instantly swept across the entire training ground!

And in place.

All that remains is a charred, black pit, half a meter in diameter and over a foot deep, with edges that are in a molten, glassy state!

At the center of the pit, a trace of destructive aura, a fusion of platinum sharpness and dark red calamity fire, still lingered, rising in wisps!

quiet!
A deathly silence!

Time seemed to freeze.

The doubts, curiosity, and confusion on the faces of all the trainees seemed to be instantly drained, leaving only boundless blankness and deep-seated fear!

They even forgot to breathe, forgot to blink.

My mind goes blank.

One finger!
Just one finger!
No contact! No build-up of power! No earth-shattering momentum!
He just pointed calmly!
They detonated the alloy target that they couldn't budge at all!

Destroy and melt it completely, inside and out!
Is this the true power of a martial artist?

Outside the martial arts school gate.

The cool morning breeze dispelled the lingering heat from Fang Qingyu's body.

"That's enough for now, Sister Zheng."

Fang Qingyu stopped and said to Zheng Lin, who was seeing him off at the door.

Zheng Lin looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar boy in front of her, her eyes filled with complex emotions: shock, relief, and deep reluctance.

She took a deep breath, suppressing her turbulent emotions, and gave a warm smile: "Okay, I know you're busy. The forum says you're going to Beijing for that 'Hidden Dragon Project'?"

"Okay." Fang Qingyu nodded. "We'll be leaving in 20 days."

Zheng Lin nodded, her eyes sincere: "Go ahead, it's a good place, you should go and try it! I know you can do it! Qingjian is too small, it can't hold a true dragon."

She paused, her tone becoming more relaxed, "Don't worry about the martial arts school, everything's going well! Thanks to you, people are practically breaking down the door trying to sign up! Qin Hui may be a bit unreliable, but he's dependable when it's time to hold things together."

Fang Qingyu smiled and said, "That's good."

Zheng Lin saw Fang Qingyu's smile.

She suddenly stepped forward, opened her arms, and gave Fang Qingyu a gentle, warm hug, her movements natural yet filled with sisterly care.

"Remember, if you get tired, you can come back and visit anytime."

Her voice was soft.

Fang Qingyu's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed, feeling the brief but warm embrace.

He gently patted Zheng Lin on the back: "Okay, I know. Take care, Sister Zheng."

"Take care too!" Zheng Lin let go of him, her eyes slightly red, but she waved with a strong smile, "Go!"

Fang Qingyu nodded and said no more.

He took Jiang Wei's small hand and turned to join the flow of people on the street in the early morning.

In this way, the unfinished business of Qingjian City
That solves one problem.

(End of this chapter)