NOVPUB
Chapter 73: Chapter 71: Each Has Their Own Trick
"I joined the Martial Arts Research Association in the hope of seeing more fighting masters and learning stronger combat martial arts. I hope the seniors here won’t sting on their advice."
Facing a group of highly revered elders in Jianghu, Fang Cheng’s expression remained calm as he raised his fists, adopting a fighting stance.
His words were still mild and polite, but his aura suddenly became completely different, exuding a sharp and aggressive edge.
This edge was like a blade unsheathed, causing those who faced it to feel goosebumps.
Without experiencing countless real fights and battles for life and death, one could not imagine emanating such a formidable aura.
Fang Cheng himself was unaware of this.
The scene, however, turned quiet, as everyone just stared at him dumbfounded.
No one responded to the challenge.
An awkward silence followed.
In the end, Fang Cheng’s wish for actual combat and exchange with the martial arts elders didn’t come to fruition.
After all, there was no reasoning in a young man beating up an elder.
With Wu Datong and Ma Donghe facilitating a resolution,
five old comrades, though reluctantly, agreed to show the ignorant youngster their unique skills.
The first to step up was Wu Dewang from the White Crane Sect.
He arranged beer bottles as Mei Hua Stumps and then leapt, landing with a single foot precisely on the narrow bottle top.
He first struck a "White Crane Showing Wings" pose, then seamlessly moved on the beer bottles, fluently performing a series of White Crane Boxing.
Such astonishing balance drew an impressed look from Fang Cheng.
Next were two elders, proficient in Eagle Claw Skill and Xingyi Boxing.
One demonstrated the skill of crushing walnuts and cups with just finger strength.
The other showed the "spear energy" of Xingyi Boxing, punching and splitting a hanging brick in midair.
Especially the latter, whose punch traveled straight like a spear, not only hitting the target but also continuing to press and penetrate a distance.
This method of delivering force was similar to the Penetration emphasized in Boxing.
One was hitting a heavy sandbag, while the other was hitting a lighter, unsupported hanging brick.
The latter was evidently more skilled.
Considering their ages, it was even more worthy of respect.
They truly possessed authentic Kung Fu.
However, Fang Cheng was still somewhat dissatisfied.
Skill is skill, but in the face of absolute strength, it’s all insignificant.
"Senior Brother Dong, what are you doing?"
"Senior Brother Dong, don’t be impulsive!"
As he pondered, a burst of commotion suddenly arose.
The previously more aggressive elder walked to the stone table in the middle of the yard, assuming a stable stance as if preparing to demonstrate a special move.
The other elders tried to dissuade him.
"Look at this kid’s expression; if we don’t show him some real Kung Fu, he’ll think our Martial Arts Research Association is all talk and no substance!"
Dong Yunchuan finished speaking, his face flushed red, his palms reached out to cradle the kettle on the table, appearing to be channeling energy with effort.
Gradually, visible white smoke began to rise from his hands.
Then smoke started emanating from his shoulders and the top of his head too, his entire body appearing like a steaming basket, producing a miraculous sight.
Not even a minute passed.
The kettle held in his hands began to show abnormalities.
The water inside started boiling again, bubbling up and forcing the kettle lid to jump and flap.
"This..."
Fang Cheng’s pupils contracted slightly in disbelief.
He was able to witness a scene in reality that one would only expect in martial arts films, where internal strength is displayed.
This was no longer a simple physical strength, but perhaps involved another level...
"Brother Yunchuan, it seems your inner strength has increased?"
Ma Jianguo opened his mouth to speak, also appearing somewhat surprised.
"Hehe, I’ve indeed had some new insights recently."
Dong Yunchuan stood up after finishing his display, catching his breath for a moment, wiping the profuse sweat off his forehead, looking particularly pleased with himself.
Then, glancing sideways at Fang Cheng, who also had an expression of surprise:
"Young man, let me tell you, the old ginger is hotter than the fresh. You shouldn’t be too arrogant as a young person; know that there is always someone better."
Ma Jianguo did not take his turn to demonstrate; this show of skill was enough to impress any newcomer.
He then said:
"Young brother, we as elders have already demonstrated our skills, isn’t it time for you to show something?"
Wu Datong approached at this moment, whispering:
"Senior Brother Ma thinks highly of you, while the other few old men are rather proud. You’d best give it your all to impress everyone at once."
All out, huh?
Fang Cheng nodded at this.
He thought about his most visibly impressive trick, which should be the "Iron Fist" effect.
Since everyone present was a martial arts expert, there was no need to hide his skills any further and invite disdain.
To tell the truth, Fang Cheng had long wanted to see the effect of his full-force punch.
He then walked into the courtyard, in front of a small ornamental rockery.
Lifting his arms, he steadied himself into a stance.
He took a deep breath, his gaze sharpened, ready to throw a punch.
In an instant, power surged from the soles of his feet, through his core in his waist and abdomen, through his torso, and coordinated between his shoulders, elbows, and wrists. 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝒑𝙪𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝙢
The muscles and joints throughout his body seemed to twist and lock in place in a split second.
Snap!
With a sound as crisp as firecrackers, Fang Cheng’s right arm muscles surged, expanding a full size.
A straightforward and crisp Straight Punch was thrown out suddenly.
Boom!
The fist of flesh and blood hit the rockery, instantly causing pebbles to scatter and dazzle the eye.
The onlookers couldn’t help but raise their hands to shield their faces.
When they opened their eyes again, there was an expression of utter astonishment on their faces.
"Uh—"
That rockery made of limestone had its top jagged, missing half its height.
As if... it had just been hit hard by a large iron hammer.
At this moment, Fang Cheng retracted his punch, stood solidly, and waited for judgement from the gathering of martial arts seniors.
Wu Datong’s eyes shimmered with a peculiar excitement as he murmured to himself:
"I wonder how the power of this punch compares to Senior Brother Dong’s palm technique?"
Upon hearing this, Dong Yunchuan couldn’t help but give Wu Datong a sharp glare, yet he had no retort.
The others also gradually came back to their senses, and a buzz of discussion ensued.
"Young man, did you already learn Qigong?"
"Yes, without the internal strength amplification of Qigong, how could your punch be so powerful?"
"What Qigong? I think he has innate divine strength and doesn’t even know the basic Breathing Technique."
"Qigong?"
Upon hearing this word, Fang Cheng suddenly became interested.
Scenes from his past life memories flashed across his mind.
Remote object retrieval, Qigong curing cancer, placing a pot on one’s head to receive cosmic messages...
In the midst of his wild fantasies, Ma Jianguo coughed to interrupt the noisy discussions of the crowd.
He looked at Fang Cheng with bright, piercing eyes, and spoke very earnestly:
"Fang Cheng, with your understanding of Martial Arts, you are fully qualified to be one of us."
"I now officially invite you to join the Martial Arts Research Association as the president. Are you willing?"
After a moment’s thought, Fang Cheng replied:
"I am willing, senior. But can I also learn the Qigong that you spoke of?"
"Of course."
With Fang Cheng’s affirmative response, Ma Jianguo smiled warmly and said affectionately:
"The purpose of our founding the association is to explore the mysteries of Martial Arts together and mentor talented young martial artists..."
Next came the celebration of the new member’s induction.
The group of old-timers immediately busied themselves with glee, killing chickens and scraping fish.
They were preparing to cook the feast with their own hands, to have a genuine countryside feast.
Leaving just two idle men standing in place.
Ma Donghe, with his arms dangling, sauntered over to Fang Cheng and whispered sneakily:
"Don’t let them fool you. Qigong is real indeed, but it’s not as powerful as you think."
"That old man Dong’s move just now might seem scary, but it’s all for show with no real use."
"After using his skill, he needs at least two months of recovery, during which he can’t make any moves, learning this stuff is just a waste of time, and it might even leave himself weak and lethargic..."
Hearing this, Fang Cheng asked in mild surprise:
"I have no money or power; what use would deceiving me do?"
"Do you have people?"
Ma Donghe responded with a secretive smile.
