A Life of Attributes Starting as a Nobleman in the Republic of China Era

Both Chen Che and Akutagawa intentionally concealed the Zhabei Cave incident.

Chen Che's reasons for concealing the truth were obvious: on the one hand, he wanted to protect the Mo family ruins, and on the other hand, he did not want to affect the construction schedule of the Central Martial Arts Academy.

On the one hand, Akutagawa did not want the foreign powers in the concessions to know about the dragon vein and the eternal lamp; of course, he had his own plans.

A month has passed, and the twelfth lunar month has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Construction is underway at the Zhabei construction site, with pile drivers and excavators operating in an orderly manner. Despite the cold winter months, the construction site is bustling with activity.

During this period, Chen San also broke through to the Condensation Aperture Gate.

Sun Congzhou stood against the wall in the training room, his eyes half-closed, as if he were asleep.

Chen Che and Chen San were practicing their staff techniques on the side. Each move looked extremely slow, and they were training the "intention" of attack and defense. It was so slow that it was almost impossible to tell that they were practicing martial arts. It looked more like they were practicing a set of health-preserving boxing.

The phone rang suddenly, and a familiar operator's voice came from the other end: "Mr. Chen, a master named Chen Shi would like to see you."

Since leaving last time, Chen Shi has been wholeheartedly working with Ren Zhan to arrange the relocation of the Central Martial Arts Academy, and they haven't seen each other for more than a month.

Chen Che agreed, put away his stick, and went to open the door.

Standing outside the door was a young man in a gray cloth robe, tall and upright with a square face and a heroic air unique to martial artists. Upon seeing Chen Che, he cupped his hands in greeting and said loudly, "Junior Brother Chen Che."

He ushered Chen Shi into the courtyard and poured him a cup of tea.

After sitting down, Chen Shi glanced around the courtyard, his gaze finally settling on the tactical baton in Chen Che's hand. A hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes, but he didn't ask anything. He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Uncle-Master Sun, Junior Brother Chen, I've come here to tell you something important."

Sun Congzhou remained silent and slowly sipped his tea.

"The Central Martial Arts Academy has decided to hold a martial arts competition for recruits at the Shanghai Public Stadium on the 15th of next month." Chen Shi paused slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "It's open to everyone, regardless of school, age, or background. Anyone who believes they have real skills can come up and compete. The academy will select the best candidates to study at the academy."

"Chief Steward Li Jinglin will also be present," Chen Shi added, glancing intentionally or unintentionally at Chen Che.

Upon hearing this, even Sun Congzhou paused slightly in his tea-serving hand.

Li Jinglin. This name is known to everyone in the martial arts world today. Proficient in Tai Chi, Bagua, and Xingyi, he single-handedly quelled a brawl at the Luanzhou Martial Arts Conference, earning him the title of "Number One Master in the North and South." The successful establishment of the Central Martial Arts Academy was entirely due to his mediation between the military and political circles. This man was not only a martial arts prodigy but also possessed a grand ambition to revive traditional Chinese martial arts—he often said, "Traditional Chinese martial arts are not hidden in deep mountains and forests; they are among the people."

"Director Li said," Chen Shi continued, "that this martial arts competition will not consider reputation or seniority when recruiting students; only real skills will matter. Even untrained individuals with no particular school or lineage can have their doors open to the National Martial Arts Academy as long as they have the ability."

Chen Che remained silent for a moment, then turned to look at his master.

Sun Congzhou nodded slightly and said, "Since it is the director's wish, we will definitely give it our full support."

Chen Che asked, "Everyone can participate? Regardless of background? Does that mean all the poor kids from the Zhabei shantytowns can participate?"

Chen Shi nodded and said, "That's right. Director Li set up this challenge precisely to allow 'the swallows that once graced the halls of the wealthy and powerful to fly into the homes of ordinary people.'"

Chen Che and Sun Congzhou exchanged a glance, their eyes shining with excitement. This was exactly what Chen Shi wanted to see, and it was also the goal that Sun Congzhou had been pursuing.

"There's one more thing," Chen Shi said after stroking his chin and pondering for a while.

"Please speak, senior brother," Chen Che said.

"Director Li hopes that you, junior brother, will also represent the Central Martial Arts Academy in this competition." Chen Shi looked at Chen Che with expectant eyes.

"Me?" Chen Che was slightly taken aback, his tactical baton twirling unconsciously in his hand. "Senior brother, you mean... I should go on stage?"

Chen Shi shook his head and smiled, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "It's not just about letting you go on stage. Director Li's idea is that this martial arts competition recruitment should involve all the martial arts schools and families in Shanghai."

Upon hearing this, even Sun Congzhou opened his eyes.

"The whole of Shanghai?" Chen Che pressed.

"That's right." Chen Shi put down his teacup and said seriously, "Director Li said that if the Central Martial Arts Academy is to take root in Shanghai, it can't just close its doors and do things on its own. All martial arts practitioners in Shanghai, martial arts schools, families, and folk boxers, as long as they have real skills, are friends of the National Martial Arts Academy. This competition is not only for recruitment, but also to 'make friends through martial arts' and unite the martial arts community in Shanghai."

Chen Che and Sun Congzhou exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

"How exactly did Director Li arrange it?" Sun Congzhou asked.

Chen Shi took out a list from his pocket and handed it over with both hands: "This is the invitation list prepared by Director Li. There are over one hundred people, including thirty-six martial arts schools in Shanghai, seven famous families, and folk boxers scattered throughout the city. Director Li said that regardless of whether the other party comes or not, we must show courtesy first."

Sun Congzhou took the list, glanced at it, and raised an eyebrow slightly: "The Jingwu Athletic Association was also invited?"

"We've been invited." Chen Shi nodded. "Director Li said that the Jingwu Association has been operating in Shanghai for many years and is deeply rooted in the local community. If we can join hands, it will be a good thing for the National Martial Arts Academy."

"I'm afraid they won't appreciate it," Sun Congzhou said casually. The relationship between the Jingwu Athletic Association and the Central Martial Arts Academy has always been somewhat delicate. Both organizations promote traditional Chinese martial arts, but their philosophies and approaches differ, leading to some overt and covert competition over the years.

"Whether they come or not is their business; whether we invite them or not is our attitude," Chen Shi said with a smile. "That's exactly what Director Li said."

Sun Congzhou nodded slightly and said no more.

"There's one more thing." Chen Shi paused, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Sun Congzhou and Chen Che. "Director Li hopes that Uncle Sun can also make an appearance. Not to fight on stage, but as a senior figure from Shanghai, to give a speech at the opening ceremony."

Sun Congzhou was silent for a moment, then picked up his teacup and slowly took a sip: "What's there to say about a country boy who teaches boxing?"

"Uncle Sun, you're too modest," Chen Shi said seriously. "How many disciples from impoverished backgrounds have you taught in Zhabei over the years? How many of those children from the shantytowns didn't come because of your reputation? Director Li said that the National Martial Arts Academy should be run by people like you—not picky about family background or origin, as long as they are willing to learn, we are willing to teach."

Sun Congzhou didn't reply, but his hand holding the teacup paused slightly.

As Chen Che listened, his understanding gradually became clear. He realized Li Jinglin's intention—this was not a simple martial arts competition for recruitment, but a "integration" effort.