Because this guy had to prepare for the Special Search Team’s re-exam, he had no choice but to once again immerse himself in the bitter days of closed-door training.
The courtyard gate was already open, and Professor Wu Dewang was standing at the entrance, wearing a gentle smile, as if he was waiting for him specially.
"Ah Cheng, you’re here. It’s been a long time. Come in quickly, a few of the senior brothers are waiting for you."
Fang Cheng nodded politely and stepped into the courtyard.
The scene in the courtyard was completely different from his first visit.
The pretentious airs of the Martial World were gone, replaced by a relaxed and even warm atmosphere.
Ma Jianguo, the president, sat by the stone table, leisurely pouring amber-colored tea into a tasting cup with a purple clay teapot in hand.
Xingyi Boxing’s Zhang Haixiang and Eagle Claw Skill’s Chen Zizhen, the two uncles, were sitting around, arguing intensely over a chess move, "cannon captures both chariots."
Only Dong Yunchuan stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the courtyard, posing in a steady Three-Body Form Pile Skill, with a solemn expression, as if contemplating something.
Several senior elders of the Martial Arts Research Association were all present today.
Hearing the commotion at the entrance, all eyes turned sharply in unison.
The chess players forgot their argument, the tea drinkers paused their actions, and even the one standing in stance slowly broke it.
Their expressions were exceedingly complex, mixed with curiosity, amazement, appreciation, and a fervent gaze like looking at a rare treasure.
"Ah Cheng, come, sit."
Ma Jianguo waved with a smile, personally pouring him a cup of steaming tea.
"Your Uncle Dong has told us everything."
"Good lad, truly a good lad! We’ve been practicing all our lives, yet we can’t match your half-year of hard work."
He gently handed over the teacup, with no hint of jealousy, only genuine praise and satisfaction.
Fang Cheng thanked him and sat down on the stone stool, maintaining a humble demeanor: Check latest chapters at novel⁂fire.net
"I was just lucky to have stumbled upon some insights, there’s still much I don’t understand and need to consult the mentors."
Zhang Haixiang, who had just lost the chess game, lifted his head from the board, his voice booming:
"Old Dong’s ’Boiling Water in the Palm’ is his secret ace, and you’ve mastered it so easily, luck can’t explain that."
Eagle Claw Skill’s Chen Zizhen also leaned over, his eyes going over Fang Cheng as if he wanted to see through to his bones and meridians.
"Kid, you don’t look that strong, can you really develop energy this quickly?"
As he spoke, he reached out his large-jointed hands to pinch Fang Cheng’s arm, immediately frowning:
"Hmm, these muscles... how are they as hard as rock?"
Dong Yunchuan strode over and slapped away Chen Zizhen’s hand, grumbling irritably:
"Shoo, shoo, don’t let your Eagle Claw Skill hurt Ah Cheng."
At this moment, he had transformed from his initial stern and critical demeanor to becoming Fang Cheng’s staunchest defender.
Dong Yunchuan surveyed the group, scoffing:
"You old geezers, with narrow views and little knowledge, if you can’t do it, you think others can’t either."
He turned to Fang Cheng, his tone immediately softening with a hint of pride:
"Ah Cheng, if you’re too humble, you can’t hold the scene."
"Come, stop wasting words with them, show these worldly ignorant old fellows something to open their eyes!"
Ma Jianguo silently smiled, holding his teacup, his gaze full of anticipation.
The other three elders held their breath, their eyes intently focused on Fang Cheng.
Indeed, they all wanted to witness for themselves what level this "once-in-a-century martial arts genius" mentioned by Dong Yuanchuan could achieve.
Fang Cheng scanned everyone’s expressions.
After considering for a moment, he slowly nodded, then got up and walked to the center of the courtyard.