“Yes. The correct way to cultivate martial arts is to ensure the circulation of Qi and blood, unblock the meridians, and cultivate both internal and external aspects.” Mr. Ma pointed to his body. “I am seventy-two years old, but my physical condition is better than many young people. That’s the reason.”
Liu Wenhao seemed thoughtful. This week's training had indeed made a difference for him, not only in terms of increased strength, but more importantly, in his improved control over his body.
"Master, when can I learn the move you used yesterday?" Liu Wenhao couldn't help but ask.
Mr. Ma laughed: "Are you in a hurry?"
"A little," Liu Wenhao honestly admitted.
“That move is called Tai Chi Push Hands, which is an advanced technique in Tai Chi Chuan.” Mr. Ma shook his head. “With your current foundation, you will need at least another six months.”
"Six months?" Liu Wenhao was somewhat disappointed. "Master, I can only study for one month."
Chapter 1228 Dealing with it!
Mr. Ma glanced at him and said, "Who said you can only study for a month?"
"I promised my mom..."
"Does your mother want you to learn good things or bad things?" Mr. Ma interrupted him. "If you can learn real skills here, would she object?"
Liu Wenhao thought about it and realized it was true. His mother was worried that he would go astray, not about learning martial arts itself.
"But I don't have tuition fees..."
"Who said there was any tuition fee?" Old Mr. Ma waved his hand. "What I value is your talent, not your money."
Liu Wenhao was so moved that he didn't know what to say.
"However, there is one condition." Mr. Ma suddenly became serious. "You must promise me that once you learn martial arts, you will not use it to bully the weak."
"I promise!" Liu Wenhao nodded solemnly.
"Also, martial arts should not be used to show off or make a profit."
"This..." Liu Wenhao hesitated for a moment. He originally wanted to prove himself through martial arts, but now he couldn't show off, so what was the point of learning it?
Mr. Ma saw through his thoughts: "Young man, remember this: if your virtue is not commensurate with your position, disaster will surely follow. If your character does not match your ability, the stronger your ability, the greater the harm will be."
Liu Wenhao nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
"Alright, that concludes today's theory lesson." Mr. Ma clapped his hands. "Ah Hu, come over and practice sparring with him."
Ah Hu walked over, his face still bearing some bruises: "Junior Brother, I won't hold back this time."
Liu Wenhao stretched his limbs: "Me too."
The two sparred again, but this time the feeling was completely different. After a week of basic training, Liu Wenhao found that his movements were smoother and his attacks were more methodical.
Although he ultimately lost to Ah Hu, the process was much more exciting than the last time.
"Not bad, you've improved very quickly." Ah Hu wiped his sweat. "Junior brother, you're truly a promising talent for martial arts."
A month later, Liu Wenhao's transformation impressed everyone.
"Junior brother, look at your physique, wow." Ah Hu patted Liu Wenhao on the shoulder. "Your muscle definition is even better than before."
Liu Wenhao looked down at himself and realized he was indeed different. Before, he had developed the kind of muscles you see in the gym—looked bulky but impractical. Now, his muscles were firm, powerful, and well-defined, as if he were born for combat.
"This is the physique of a martial artist." Old Mr. Ma nodded in satisfaction. "Not seeking size, but seeking practicality."
Today is Liu Wenhao's thirtieth day of training at the martial arts gym. As agreed, he can go home now. But he's a little reluctant to leave.
"Master, can I stay for another month?" Liu Wenhao asked tentatively.
“It’s good that you want to stay, but you have to go home first.” Mr. Ma waved his hand. “Your family has been worried about you for a month, so you should go back and let them know you’re safe. Besides, you also need time to process what you’ve learned during this time.”
Liu Wenhao thought about it and realized it was true. He had learned so much in the past month, not just martial arts techniques, but more importantly, a deeper understanding of martial arts.
“Then I’ll go back tomorrow,” Liu Wenhao said.
"No rush, there's one last test today." Old Master Ma pointed to the center of the martial arts hall. "Ah Hu, all of you go up together and see what this kid's true level is like."
Ah Hu was taken aback: "Master, you mean the few of us should work together to deal with him?"
Chapter 1229 One move!
“Yes, you, Xiao Li, and Xiao Wang, the three of you together.” Mr. Ma said with his hands behind his back, “A month of training, we’ll see what they’re made of.”
Liu Wenhao was a little nervous. He was confident he could beat Ah Hu on his own, but the pressure would be much greater if all three of them came at him together.
"Master, isn't this a bit too much..."
"Scared?" A sly glint flashed in Mr. Ma's eyes. "If you're scared, it means you haven't mastered the art yet."
These words instantly ignited Liu Wenhao's competitive spirit.
"Come on then, who's afraid of who?" He took off his coat and stretched his limbs.
Ah Hu and the other two looked at each other, but they dared not disobey their master's words and could only bite the bullet and go on.
"Junior brother, we won't hold back," Ah Hu said with a wry smile.
“That’s perfect, I also want to see my true level.” Liu Wenhao assumed a horse stance, the most basic movement he had mastered in the past month.
The three slowly surrounded Liu Wenhao, forming a triangle around him.
"Begin!" Mr. Ma commanded.
Ah Hu launched the first attack, his claws aimed straight for Liu Wenhao's face. At the same time, Xiao Li threw a straight punch from the side, and Xiao Wang launched a sneak attack from behind.
Caught in a pincer movement, Liu Wenhao a month ago would have panicked. But he's different now.
Liu Wenhao crouched slightly, dodging Ah Hu's eagle claws to the left, and simultaneously swung his elbow in a backhand strike, hitting Xiao Li squarely in the chest. Xiao Li grunted and staggered back a few steps.
At the same time, Liu Wenhao sensed the wind behind him. Without turning around, he took a step back and turned around, not only avoiding Xiao Wang's attack but also slapping Xiao Wang on the shoulder.
"Impressive footwork!" The onlookers couldn't help but cheer.
Liu Wenhao's movements were fluid and graceful, without the slightest hesitation. More importantly, every movement of his was full of the essence of Tai Chi, using softness to overcome hardness and deflecting great force with minimal effort.
Ah Hu and the other two exchanged bewildered glances. They realized that Liu Wenhao had become much more difficult to deal with. It wasn't because his strength had increased, but because his fighting style had changed.
Liu Wenhao used to be a pure power-type fighter, delivering hard blows and brute force. Now, he's like a seasoned martial artist, with every move carrying profound meaning.
"Attack together!" Ah Hu shouted, and the three of them charged at Liu Wenhao at the same time.
Liu Wenhao took a deep breath, and the Tai Chi mental technique that Master Ma had taught him flashed through his mind: still as a mountain, swift as thunder.
He stood still until the three men's attacks were almost upon him before he suddenly moved.
In the Tai Chi classic "Grasp the Sparrow's Tail," Liu Wenhao turned around and drew an arc with both hands, managing to catch the attacks of three people simultaneously.
Then, he used their force against them, and all three attacks were deflected back.
With three muffled thuds, Ah Hu and the other two were sent flying backwards.
There was silence.
Liu Wenhao himself was somewhat incredulous. He had just executed that move entirely on instinct, and he hadn't expected it to be so effective.
"Excellent!" Mr. Ma clapped his hands. "Although it's still very rough, it has already grasped the essence of Tai Chi."
Ah Hu got up from the ground and looked at Liu Wenhao with admiration in his eyes: "Junior brother, you have made great progress in the past month."
"I didn't expect this either," Liu Wenhao said, scratching his head. "I don't even know how I pulled off that move just now."
Chapter 1230 Health!
“That’s the charm of martial arts.” Mr. Ma walked over. “When you truly understand the essence of martial arts, your body will naturally make the correct response.”
Liu Wenhao nodded, his understanding of martial arts deepening once again.
"Alright, that's all for today." Old Mr. Ma clapped his hands. "Go home tomorrow, and remember what I taught you."
“Master, I will come back.” Liu Wenhao said earnestly.
"I'll wait for you." Mr. Ma smiled. "But next time I come back, my requirements will be even higher."
That evening, Liu Wenhao packed his things, preparing to go home the next day. Lying in bed, he reflected on the past month's experiences, feeling as if he were in a dream.
From a problem student expelled from school to a martial artist who has mastered real martial arts, this transformation is something he himself finds hard to believe.
More importantly, his mindset has also changed. He used to be impatient for quick success and wanted to prove himself fast. Now he is more composed and knows the meaning of accumulating knowledge and experience before making a breakthrough.
My phone rang; it was an unfamiliar number.
"Hey?"
"Is this Liu Wenhao?" A middle-aged man's voice came from the other end of the phone.
"I am, are you?"
"I am the manager of the Wolf Warrior Club. I've heard that your fighting skills are quite good, and I'd like to invite you to participate in our competition."
Liu Wenhao was taken aback. He had heard of the Wolf Warrior Club; it was the largest fighting club in the city and frequently hosted various competitions.
"Game? What game?"
"There's a youth fighting tournament next month with a huge prize pool; the champion can get 500,000." The manager's voice was excited. "With your skills, you have a real chance to win."
Five hundred thousand! This figure tempted Liu Wenhao. His family's financial situation had always been difficult, and his mother struggled to support them alone. Winning this prize money would improve his family's living conditions.
"I'll think about it," Liu Wenhao said.
"Okay, I'll send the registration form to your email. Take a look. By the way, many online celebrities are participating in this competition, so it's getting a lot of attention, which will help boost your popularity."
After hanging up the phone, Liu Wenhao fell into deep thought. Master Ma had said that martial arts shouldn't be used for profit. But this was a legitimate competition; it shouldn't violate his master's rules, right?
Moreover, he really needs this money.
After thinking about it for a long time, Liu Wenhao decided to go home and discuss it with his mother first. Some things cannot be decided by oneself.
The next morning, Liu Wenhao bid farewell to his fellow students at the martial arts school and embarked on his journey home.
His month-long training was over, but he knew it was just the beginning.
"Mom, I'm back."
Liu Wenhao pushed open the door and saw his mother busy in the kitchen. Hearing his voice, his mother immediately put down what she was doing and ran out.
"Wenhao!" His mother looked him up and down. "How have you changed so much in just one month?"
He has indeed changed a lot. Liu Wenhao's figure is more well-proportioned, his skin is healthier, and most importantly, his temperament is completely different. He used to always have a fierce aura about him, but now he appears calm and reserved.
"Mom, I've learned a lot at the martial arts school," Liu Wenhao hugged his mother. "It's not just martial arts, but also the principles of being a good person."
The mother's eyes welled up with tears: "My child, you've grown up."
"By the way, Mom, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." Liu Wenhao recounted the events involving the Wolf Warrior Club.
Chapter 1231: The Plan!
After hearing this, Mom frowned: "A competition? Isn't that just fighting?"
"It's not a fight, it's a legitimate sporting event," Liu Wenhao explained. "Just like a boxing match, there are referees and rules."
Is that dangerous?
“There is some risk, but I’m confident.” Liu Wenhao held his mother’s hand. “Mom, you know our family’s situation. If I can win the championship, the 500,000 yuan prize money will improve our lives.”
The mother remained silent for a long time. She was indeed worried about money, but she was even more concerned about her son's safety.
"Mom, please believe me this once?" Liu Wenhao said earnestly. "I'm not the same kid who only knew how to fight anymore."
Looking into her son's determined eyes, the mother finally nodded: "Okay, but you have to promise me that you will protect yourself."
"I promise."
That afternoon, Liu Wenhao went to the Wolf Warrior Club.
The club was located in a luxuriously decorated building in the city center. The beautiful receptionist greeted Liu Wenhao warmly upon seeing him.
"You must be Mr. Liu Wenhao? The manager is waiting for you."
Liu Wenhao was taken to an office. The manager was a fat man in his forties with a big smile on his face.
"Mr. Liu, it's an honor to meet you!" The manager stood up and shook hands. "My name is Wang Lei, and I've been wanting to meet you for a long time."
"Manager Wang, you're too kind." Liu Wenhao was a little unaccustomed to such formalities.
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