Cangmang Asks the Way 1: Guardian of the Lamp

The election for class representative went smoothly, with Song Wei winning by a large margin due to her enthusiastic personality and excellent grades.

The elections for the Arts and Literature Committee and the Labor Committee were quickly concluded. Wang Xiuzhu was elected Arts and Literature Committee member with a high number of votes thanks to her clear rendition of "Let Us Row Our Boats." Zhao Xiaohu was elected Labor Committee member based on his promise to "take over all labor tools" and establish a "Striving Reward Fund."

The positions were assigned one by one, the atmosphere both lively and subtle. Finally, only the sports committee member remained, with Wang Yaowu and several male students who considered themselves athletically gifted eager to try.

Just then, Xu Wenyuan adjusted his glasses and gently tapped the podium:

"Classmates, I have a suggestion regarding the sports representative."

He paused, then asked routinely, "Any students willing to volunteer?"

Wang Yaowu raised his hand almost immediately, his eyes flashing with eagerness. However, Xu Wenyuan's gaze lingered on his face for less than a second before turning to Cang Tianci: "Cang Tianci won a gold medal for our county in the Provincial Youth Wushu Sanda Championship. This is one of the best results our county has achieved in provincial sports events in recent years."

He deliberately emphasized the words "provincial gold medal," paused slightly, as if wanting this weighty honor to resonate in the classroom a little longer, and then continued:

"The role of the sports committee member is not just about organizing morning exercises and distributing equipment. It also represents the spirit and image of the class. With the school sports meet approaching this semester, we need a student with experience in major competitions who can win honors for the class and school to take the lead, boost morale, and guide everyone in preparation."

"Therefore, I suggest that Cang Tianci be given priority in undertaking this responsibility. Of course, the gifted youth program values ​​fair competition. If other students believe they are capable and have a strong desire and plan to win honor for the class, they can now express their thoughts."

Stung by Xu Wenyuan's near-ignorance and his clear favoritism towards Cang Tianci, Wang Yaowu felt a surge of anger rush to his head. All his father's admonitions crumbled under the impact of jealousy and public humiliation. He stood up abruptly, his voice sharp: "I...I'm not convinced. He's a martial arts practitioner; he might not be good at track and field. Can he lead us in a good PE class? The PE representative isn't a fighting representative. I think we should choose someone who can run and jump!"

Xu Wenyuan remained unmoved by Wang Yaowu's public questioning. He looked at Cang Tianci and asked, "Tianci, what do you have to say about Wang Yaowu's questioning?"

All eyes instantly focused on Cang Tianci. Cang Tianci felt a tightness in his throat, a strange pressure mixed with an instinctive resistance washing over him. Deep down, he truly didn't want to be a class officer. The academic workload of the gifted youth program was heavy, and the sports school training was unwavering; his time was already squeezed to the limit, like a bowstring stretched to its limit. If he were to add class duties on top of that… he could almost see his future fragmented into pieces by various mundane class tasks, and under the points system, his deskmate might no longer belong to Wan Qing. That unspoken understanding and quiet companionship were rare solace on his arduous path of cultivation, and he instinctively wanted to hold onto them tightly.

In addition, what worries him even more is that if he gets too distracted and his performance declines and his training regresses, how will he face his family, coach and mentor?

However, Teacher Xu's public expression of appreciation and expectations felt like a hot iron, searing his heart. To refuse this kindness and weighty trust in person would be to embarrass his teacher. That would be unbecoming of a gentleman, and would betray his master's teachings of "respecting teachers and valuing the source of one's blessings." Two forces tore at his chest: on one hand, the instinct for self-preservation; on the other, the weight of "righteousness" and "gratitude."

This inner turmoil caused his breathing to become agitated, and he felt a slight blockage near his Tanzhong acupoint.

Just then, Master Chen Jiren's words flowed through my heart like a clear spring:

"Experiences in the mortal world are also a form of spiritual practice."

"The dragon in hibernation needs to find stillness in movement to exhale; the profound skill of finger techniques needs to be honed in the world."

"The Way is not about escaping the world and cultivating oneself, but about maintaining one's original intention and tempering one's will amidst countless trivial matters and interpersonal interactions."

In an instant, a flash of enlightenment cleaved through the chaos like lightning. Wasn't this position a miniature "worldly training ground"? Coordinating time, handling class affairs, navigating interpersonal relationships—weren't all of these tests of character? Using the "Hibernating Dragon Technique" to maintain mental clarity amidst the chaos, using the "Mysterious Finger Technique" to discern subtle human emotions and grasp the key points of matters, using the focus on the arena to efficiently complete every task—wasn't this the perfect trial of "seeking stillness in movement" and "refining the mind through worldly affairs"? Thinking deeper, since the "Hibernating Dragon Heart-Questioning Finger" can intercept an opponent's energy before they strike, can it also "distinguish between primary and secondary tasks, and observe the key points" amidst the myriad of affairs, finding that "acupoint" to maintain balance and efficient operation?

At this thought, the stagnation caused by fear and selfishness quietly dissipated with this sudden enlightenment of "seeking the truth." The Hidden Dragon Technique flowed on its own, guiding his chaotic thoughts towards a calm and expansive sense of responsibility. With limited personal time, he would plan more efficiently; with heavy training tasks, he would focus more intently. As for his fate of sitting next to Wanqing… a faint trace of melancholy crossed his mind, quickly replaced by a firmer belief—if there truly was fate, why should they be together every day? If they shared the same ideals, even if they didn't sit together, their hearts were like neighbors. At this moment, he no longer saw the cramped chessboard of personal gain and loss, but a completely new "training ground" where he needed to explore, balance, and temper himself.

Since I can't avoid it, then this will be my new training ground!

He took a deep breath, his dantian sinking slightly, and the Hidden Dragon Technique circulated naturally, the warm breath soothing the tightness in his throat. He stood up, striving to pronounce each syllable clearly and steadily:

"Wang... Yaowu, you're... you're right. As the sports... sports committee member, you can't just know one thing. I... I'm willing to learn, and I will... do my best... to organize it well."

His words were brief and somewhat hesitant, but their sincerity and composure were more powerful than any flowery language. Finally, he looked at Xu Wenyuan and solemnly said, "Teacher Xu... I accept."

This sincere response, achieved through overcoming obstacles, instead garnered widespread goodwill and admiration, a stark contrast to Wang Yaowu's purely emotional accusations.

Xu Wenyuan smiled and nodded, then looked at Wang Yaowu again and said, "Wang Yaowu, do you have any other campaign proposals? If not, let's proceed with the vote."

Wang Yaowu stood there, his face alternating between red and white. What else could he say? Continuing would only make him look ridiculous. He could only sit down dejectedly.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" Teacher Xu's gaze swept over the students who had wanted to raise their hands earlier.

The male students all lowered their heads. They were far behind in both academic papers and martial arts; how could they compete?

Teacher Xu waited a while, and was just about to announce the vote by raising hands, when the newly elected class monitor, Zheng Tao, calmly stood up and said:

"Ms. Xu, I personally admire Cang Tianci's athletic achievements very much. However, as the class monitor, considering the overall efficiency of the class, I have to raise a practical consideration. The sports committee member needs to organize, coordinate, and mobilize on-site frequently and quickly during regular sports activities, especially during the annual school sports meet. Given the communication skills Cang Tianci just demonstrated, is he capable of handling this task? Our gifted youth class should strive to set an example in all aspects, including efficient communication. Please consider this carefully."

Just as Zheng Tao finished speaking, a short, suppressed chuckle came from among the students. Everyone turned to look and saw Zhao Xiaohu quickly lowering his head, his lips twitching uncontrollably. Xu Wenyuan's stern gaze fell on Zhao Xiaohu.

Zhao Xiaohu immediately shrank his neck, pretending to try his best to cover it up.

The atmosphere in the classroom became tense once again. Zheng Tao's questioning was like a sharp thorn, truly piercing Cang Tianci's soft spot.

Cang Tianci felt a slight burning sensation on his cheeks. He also felt his throat tighten.

Just then, the vice class monitor, Lin Ruoxi, stood up abruptly, her gaze cold and clear as she stared directly at Zheng Tao:

"Zheng Tao, as class monitor, you seem to have overlooked the essentials. The core competencies of a sports committee member are professional organizational skills, clear demonstration, and leading by example, not a speech contest. The school sports meet is about performance and discipline, not eloquence. Moreover,"

She turned slightly to the side, her gaze sweeping over Cang Tianci, her tone softening: "Song Wei, Lin Wanqing, and I were all Cang Tianci's classmates in elementary school. We witnessed firsthand his tremendous progress, from barely being able to express himself fully to now being able to clearly articulate his views. Isn't this effort and perseverance in overcoming his own shortcomings the most vivid embodiment of the 'spirit of the gifted youth program'? What we should do is trust his abilities and offer encouragement and support when he needs it, rather than using rigid standards to presuppose obstacles."

After Lin Ruoxi finished speaking, Song Wei immediately stood up and loudly echoed, "Ruoxi is right! We've all seen Cang Tianci's strength and progress. Being good at sports, good at academics, and good in character are the real deal!"

"Exactly!" Wang Xiuzhu blushed and mustered her courage to say, "Tianci can definitely change. I think he's fine, I support him."

The girls' voices were clear and firm, forming an invisible barrier. With Lin Ruoxi taking the lead and Song Wei and Wang Xiuzhu responding, a warm current of support for Cang Tianci began to surge.

Zheng Tao hadn't expected Lin Ruoxi's words to be so sharp. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to retort, but seeing Teacher Xu's slight nod and the increasing agreement among the surrounding classmates, he could only stiffly sit back down in his seat.

Xu Wenyuan took everything in and understood. He gave no further chance to question and said loudly, "Alright, since everyone has no objections, let's now vote by show of hands on whether Cang Tianci should serve as the sports committee member."

A large number of arms were raised in unison from the audience, clearly more than half.

"The vote is passed. Cang Tianci, from today onwards, you are the sports committee member of the gifted youth class." Xu Wenyuan made the final decision.

Cang Tianci looked at the supportive arms below the stage, his gaze lingering for a moment on those familiar yet resolute faces, a complex warmth welling up in his heart. He rose again and bowed deeply to everyone, expressing his sincere gratitude.

At this moment, he clearly felt gazes from different directions—concern, expectation, and the oppressive coldness from Zheng Tao's direction, as well as the almost tangible jealousy from Zhao Xiaohu and Wang Yaowu's side. He didn't care much about any of these; what mattered to him was the new responsibility on his shoulders, and the impending realization of his master's words, "The mortal world's training ground." As for his deskmate… he glanced at Lin Wanqing, who happened to look at him too, her clear eyes full of encouragement. In that instant their eyes met, he knew she understood him. An unspoken agreement quietly formed in their hearts—no matter how their seats changed, this tacit understanding of walking side by side would not change.

He sat down, his hand unconsciously stroking the desk. Three invisible nets seemed to float before his eyes: a densely packed schedule, an unwavering training plan, and the recently concluded duties of the class committee. The pressure was immense, yet deep within his dantian, a warm energy flowed calmly and powerfully, like finding a pillar in a raging torrent. He began to subconsciously ponder: Where was the core node of this new net? The school sports meet? The juncture between training and studies? Perhaps this was the beginning of what his master meant by "finding the key" in worldly affairs.